Poggipolini, con la saldatura hi tech nuove commesse da Leonardo

A seemingly ordinary block of metal, placed before us at Aviotec in Marnate, is actually far more significant. Its price - several thousand euros - is not only due to the titanium material, but also the advanced production technology employed: an electron beam welding technique using one of only a few machines of its kind in Italy. This investment of five million euros marks a key milestone for the group Poggipolini, following their acquisition in 2022.

CEO Michele Poggipolini explained, "We envisioned this moment, bringing precision mechanical work to create a center of excellence for transmissions. This objective has been reached after accepting the technological challenge posed by Leonardo, whom we thank for believing in us." The welding operation, lasting a few seconds in a protected chamber, now allows for the creation of a flexible joint, a critical component of the horizontal transmission of helicopters, valued by the prominent national player Leonardo, a key partner in the project.

Once qualified, this component, previously sourced from the United States, will gradually be purchased locally within the Varesino aerospace district by the end of 2027. With volumes tied not only to new orders but also to the maintenance of the global fleet exceeding 4,500 units. This represents a "win-win" situation, according to Leonardo's Division Elicotteri Operations Manager Giuseppe Corcione.

As industrial collaboration generates new skills and production capacity, the value created extends beyond the company and becomes a national asset.

Poggipolini's example is being replicated nationwide under Leonardo's "Crescere Insieme" project, already launched with 23 Italian companies. Leonardo covers certification costs, technological development support, and purchase guarantees. This strategy has the potential for far-reaching impact, considering the $3 billion in supplies acquired annually by the helicopter division, 65% of which are exported. The goal now is to reduce the foreign component share, particularly for critical components.

Poggipolini's technological path was chosen years ago when the dominant market for their screwing systems, motorsport, faced drastic contraction. The Bolognese company shifted focus to the aerospace world, with impressive results as evidenced by their list of major customers, including Leonardo, Space X, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Safran, and Bombardier.

Automotive and motorcycle clients such as Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ducati have also been added. These objectives have been achieved thanks to a growth strategy for external lines, launched with Aviomec in 2022 and strengthened further overseas, adding two companies in the United States and one in India.

Now, Poggipolini employs 450 people, and it is likely that another acquisition will complete their product portfolio by year-end, driving the group towards $90 million in revenue.