Milan-based Logic Sistemi Avionici is typical of Lombardy's wealth of well-established SMEs, export-focused and proud and protective of its proprietary engineering.
With 105 employees - plus another 60 at a subsidiary in Germany - Logic has developed a range of avionics and other products, including engine control systems, actuators, warning systems and anti-collision lights for AgustaWestland and Eurocopter helicopters, as well as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and NH Industries NH90.
Its kits - a get-home display and generator control unit - are also on the fixed-wing Alenia Aermacchi M-346, and the company is participating in Italy's industrial involvement on the Lockheed Martin F-35, supplying the panoramic cockpit display.
Logic - which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012 - is proud of the fact it was the only Italian company, and one of only five in Europe, to collect a best supplier award last year from Boeing. It has worked for the US company for 30 years, and is single-source supplier for the Chinook's engine control system.
Giovanni Ferrarotti, Logic's veteran president, says the company's strength is the amount of resources it dedicates to research and development. Last year, together with its German unit Comtronic, which it acquired in 2004, it turned over €20.3 million ($24 million) and devoted 15% of that to R&D.
It employs 40 graduate engineers and works on the basis, says Ferrarotti, that every five years it needs to "introduce something new". He adds: "The real secret of the company is the people we have and also the investment we have made in test equipment. We have invested every year."
Although some assembly is sub-contracted, the company largely takes a concept-to-consignment approach to its business. Different floors of its airy and modern four-story office block are devoted to development, testing and production. "Vertical integration is important to us," says Ferrarotti. "We can offer the complete cycle from design labs, through electrical and mechanical assembly to surface treatment and even paint."
Source: Flight International
