Integrated service partnership enables Leonardo to soar

A partnership spanning 20 years between the electromechanical service provider, Avonmouth Engineering Services and Leonardo in Yeovil, provides one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies with onsite integrated maintenance support. This minimises downtime and leaves the manufacturer free to design and build the helicopters which help defend our national security and deliver life-saving care.

Leonardo is a leading global aerospace company.  Headquartered in Italy, it operates in four key domestic markets and the UK division operates over seven sites across the country.  The largest UK site, Leonardo Helicopters, is based in Yeovil, Somerset and employs more than 2,800 people in research, design, development, production and customer support of rotary aircraft for commercial, public service, and security & defence applications. 

Leonardo has a strong and diverse supply chain.  To ensure operational excellence, integrity, transparency and trust are of utmost importance to the Company.  The highest accolade for this trust goes to Avonmouth Engineering Services, the two companies have worked together for over 20 years and there is a service division based on Leonardo’s Yeovil site, embedded within the Company’s maintenance department. 

Avonmouth Engineering Services Ltd are a rapid response full scope supplier of electromechanical, products, services and solutions.  They supply expertise, with a skilled and experienced workforce who operate every hour of every day to ensure a seamless service to their clients.  Their headquarters in Avonmouth host the largest single workshop facility for electrical and mechanical repairs in the UK where they offer an extensive portfolio for repair, overhaul and upgrade of motors, generators, pumps, gearboxes and other rotating machinery.

At Leonardo, Avonmouth Engineering Services are contracted to provide a planned maintenance programme.  This contract includes monthly condition-based monitoring assessments and annual motor health checks, as well as the service and calibration of manufacturing plant and equipment. In addition, AES also provide reactive support to minimise downtime and keep the production line moving. 

To assist with the scope of Leonardo’s supply chain, Avonmouth Engineering Services take full responsibility for all suppliers and subcontractors brought to site by the maintenance department.  This averages around 30 visits per month and includes all of the safe contractor documentation including site inductions, risk assessments, method statements and health & safety on site.  In addition, AES supply engineering spares and provide buying support for goods outside of the remit of the Leonardo purchasing department.

This collaboration is of utmost importance to both parties.  Tom Gosney, Leonardo Helicopters (UK) Maintenance Manager confirms “Avonmouth Engineering Services is a key player within our maintenance department providing Leonardo Helicopters with mechanical & electrical engineering support and expertise. The team also provide us with access to the global market for the supply of goods and services.”

Avonmouth Engineering Services are delighted to work so closely with Leonardo Helicopters.  The service provider, which recently became part of the renowned Swiss pump manufacturing group, Hidrostal, are experts in rotor dynamics.  In the pump side of the business this is predominantly for water, but for Avonmouth Engineering Services who operate across a wealth of industries, they are very happy in this instance for their expertise to be taken to the skies.

Return to all articles