The Leonardo facility in Newcastle will play a pivotal role in connecting Leonardo’s various scientific research and manufacturing sites throughout the UK via secure cloud technology.
Leonardo, the international defense and security company, has inaugurated a cutting-edge high-technology science and engineering facility in the Newcastle Helix innovation cluster in the UK. This facility, situated in the ‘Spark’ development, represents Leonardo’s commitment to research, development, and prototyping of its next-generation sensing, security, and vertical lift products. Many of these products will incorporate emerging digital and data technologies, positioning Leonardo at the forefront of innovation in the defense and aerospace sector.
The facility in Newcastle will play a pivotal role in connecting Leonardo’s various scientific research and manufacturing sites throughout the UK via secure cloud technology. This interconnected network will strengthen the company’s efforts in nationwide data-driven engineering projects and research initiatives.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished figures, including the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Veronica Dunn, Justine Greening, Chair of The Purpose Coalition, Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive of Make UK, and Professor Paul Watson, Director of the National Innovation Centre for Data at Newcastle University, who joined representatives from Leonardo to commemorate this milestone.
Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO, Leonardo UK said, “What distinguishes Leonardo from many other global firms with a UK presence is the research, engineering and advanced manufacturing that Leonardo does on shore in Britain. By opening this new site in Newcastle, we will now be able to hire regional talent from the North East to work on some of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking technology projects. We’re here for the long term, and are looking to build strong community bonds in Newcastle, matching those established by Leonardo at our other sites around the UK.”
Leonardo is widely recognized for its contribution to onshore production of UK military helicopters and the development of advanced electronics for Royal Air Force aircraft. The company stands as one of the major suppliers to the UK Ministry of Defence, playing a critical role in the defense and security of the nation.
Leonardo is deeply involved in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational effort involving the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a state-of-the-art 6th generation fighter jet scheduled for deployment in 2035. Furthermore, Leonardo’s cybersecurity division has been entrusted with the safeguarding of the UK’s most sensitive information, solidifying its position as a leading technology provider in this field.
The company has ambitious plans to collaborate with regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, social mobility programs, schools, and academia in Newcastle. This approach mirrors Leonardo’s established community engagement strategy, which has successfully strengthened ties in various UK towns and cities, from Yeovil in the South West to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Rt. Hon Justine Greening, Chair, The Purpose Coalitio said, “Engineering is an industry with one of the lowest levels of gender diversity and social mobility, but Leonardo is a fantastic example of how a business can drive change in their own organisations and in the communities they serve. By investing in Newcastle, Leonardo is bringing high value employment and skills to one of the least advantaged areas of the UK, delivering opportunity at every level. In return, it gets access to a pipeline of diverse talent that will let it continue to innovate, grow and build for the future.”
Leonardo is also a founding member of the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC), an initiative designed to attract further investment to the region and support local organizations in securing defense and security contracts, further strengthening the region’s defense and aerospace sector.
Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive, Make UK said, “Leonardo is an example of a great British manufacturer that generates valuable intellectual property and exports its products and services worldwide. The company is investing substantially into the evolution of UK manufacturing through its pivot into digital and data-driven engineering, which will provide competitive advantage in international markets and ensure that we keep critical skills here in the UK.”
Leonardo is committed to recruiting talent from Newcastle and the wider North-East region. The facility will initially accommodate a minimum of 200 staff, with plans for expansion in the future. In addition to hiring individuals with existing capabilities, the company is dedicated to investing in up-skilling and training employees in the latest digital engineering practices, ensuring that they are fully equipped for the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.
Jennifer Hartley, Director, Invest Newcastle part of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative said: “The opening of Leonardo’s research and technology site in Newcastle is a significant milestone in what is a major strategic investment for North East England. Following the launch of NERDSC, we look forward to working closely with Leonardo on growing the region’s defence and aerospace sector to provide valuable new opportunities for our residents.”
Furthermore, Leonardo is actively expanding the number of early career opportunities across its UK sites. This expansion is largely attributed to the company’s central role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Leonardo plans to hire an additional 300 apprentices, industrial placements, and graduates in 2023, bringing the total number of young participants in early career schemes to 900.
Read More Stories…Lufthansa Technik partners with CleverPine to open latest JV “ViTech”
Leonardo’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and skills development underpins the company’s vision for enhancing the capabilities of its workforce and making significant contributions to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defense sectors.
