Piaggio Aerospace recently inaugurated its new aerospace center of excellence at Villanova d’Albenga, Italy, in the presence of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti, numerous civilian and military authorities, and more than 500 international guests and company employees . The new manufacturing plant is at the forefront of aerospace technology with the capacity, systems, and processes to make it one of the world’s most advanced industrial aerospace plants.
Strategically located for direct access to the airport of Villanova d’Albenga, the 127,000m2 site hosts a state-of-the-art industrial plant covering 49,000m2 where Piaggio Aerospace designs, develops, and manufactures aircraft for business aviation and special missions like the Avanti EVO turboprop and the Multirole Patrol Aircraft (MPA), and unmanned aircraft systems for surveillance and reconnaissance such as the P.1HH HammerHead.
Piaggio Aeropace also operates in the high-tech aero engine sector, with the manufacture of parts, final assembly, support, and engine maintenance in partnership with and licensed by major manufacturers worldwide, including Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney , Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce, and Turbomeca.
Alberto Galassi, Chairman, Piaggio Aerospace, said: “This is an extraordinary day for Piaggio Aerospace as we celebrate an event that is the end of one journey and the start of a new one. The inauguration of this innovative plant at Villanova d’Albenga is the finishing line of a journey that raises all of our standards – from manufacturing efficiency to product quality. At the same time, it is the departure point for a new drive towards excellence in all the sectors in which the company is involved. In addition to our shareholders, Mubadala and Piero Ferrari, our thanks must go to everyone who supported this project and enabled its implementation.”
Carlo Logli, chief executive officer, Piaggio Aerospace, added: “Today, Piaggio Aerospace inaugurates a center of excellence that is in equal parts Italian, European, and global. It will develop the most advanced technologies, placing us among the most avant-garde companies in the sector. From this manufacturing plant, Piaggio Aerospace can drive towards a future with strong growth of its portfolio, investments in technologies, and the confidence of our shareholders. Thanks to the great commitment demonstrated by women and men of Piaggio Aerospace, the company is implementing a re-launch and development plan that will, with this plant, see the completion of one of the most important foundations for future growth. The presence of the prime minister and the minister of defense on this important day for the company honors us and is a clear example that the country can and must support industrial initiatives that guarantee future development and attract important international investment”
The construction of the Piaggio Aerospace center of excellence was made possible by an investment of over 140 million euros in facilities, processes, and R&D technologies dedicated to areas of the industry that have become an international priority. The main objectives include its continued role as a global brand in business aviation and an emerging world player in the defense and security sector with leading-edge reconnaissance systems, as well as the technological and industrial growth of engine construction. This development and growth model is founded on the expertise and distinctive technologies which Piaggio Aerospace places at the service of its institutional and private clients.
In October, Piaggio Aero Industries unveiled its new identity, Piaggio Aerospace. The new name reflects changes taking place at the company to position it for major growth in new markets and territories, expanding its product portfolio, and bringing together its numerous strengths under one roof with the construction of the advanced manufacturing facility in Villanova d’Albenga.
Source: Press Release