On Thursday, Leonardo S.p.A unveiled its latest endeavour with the opening of its eighth office in the United Kingdom, strategically located in Newcastle. This facility, nested within the Newcastle Helix technology centre, will serve as a hub for scientific and technical innovation.
According to a statement from the company, this new centre will be dedicated to pioneering next-generation products focusing on detection, safety, and vertical flight. The majority of these innovations will harness emerging digital technologies. The Newcastle site will be seamlessly integrated into Leonardo’s wider network of scientific research and manufacturing centres across the UK, facilitated by a secure cloud connection, contributing to the company’s nationwide array of data-driven engineering projects.
Clive Higgins, the President and CEO of Leonardo UK, emphasized the company’s unique position in the UK market, setting it apart from many other global corporations. He underlined the significance of research, engineering, and advanced manufacturing conducted within the UK. Higgins expressed the intention to tap into the pool of young talent in the North-east, enabling them to work on cutting-edge technology projects. Furthermore, he highlighted the commitment to fostering enduring relationships with the local community, mirroring the company’s existing initiatives across the country.
Leonardo, renowned for its production of military helicopters and onboard aircraft sensors for the Royal Air Force, boasts a workforce of 8,500 employees in the UK and is a crucial partner of the Ministry of Defence. The company plays a pivotal role in the Global Combat Air Programme, a collaborative effort between the UK, Italy, and Japan aimed at developing a new sixth-generation combat system slated for operation by 2035. Leonardo also has an extensive history in cybersecurity, safeguarding the nation’s most sensitive information.
In Newcastle, Leonardo aspires to serve not only its clients but also actively engage with regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, social mobility programs, schools, and academic institutions. This community-centred approach mirrors the successful model implemented in other cities throughout the UK, from Yeovil in the south-west to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Leonardo’s commitment to the region includes the continued recruitment of personnel from Newcastle and the broader Northeast. The Newcastle office is anticipated to house a minimum of 200 employees, with plans for expansion in the future. In addition to recruiting individuals with existing qualifications, Leonardo will invest in ongoing training, equipping employees with the latest digital engineering practices to prepare them for the challenges of the “fourth industrial revolution.”
Furthermore, Leonardo remains dedicated to fostering career opportunities for young people, particularly through its pivotal role in the GCAP project. In 2023, the company anticipates welcoming 300 additional students, trainees, and graduates, bringing the total number of young participants in vocational training programs to 900.
