In top gear Wisconsin Engineering

Tecnam was founded over sixty five years ago by two brothers, Giovanni and Gino Pascale, whose extraordinary business adventure started with making paper airplanes in their childhood home. Their passion for aviation never faded. On the contrary, it grew stronger and stronger and the result is a world leading company building a wide range of aircraft. Today, Tecnam is still owned and managed by the Pascale family. Its headquarters and production plant are located in the area adjacent to Capua airport. Tecnam’s production facility extends on an area of over 40,000 square metres and the plant itself covers an area of 11,000 square metres.

“Our production is divided into two main groups of aircraft: high wing and low wing. Among them, there are the P2006 TWIN line, and the 2010, both EASA CS 23 certified, twin and single engine aircraft, JAR-VLA certified single engine, all great for flight schools; Light Sport Aircraft for the North American market, such as the P92, P2002, P2008, and the ASTORE, and ultralight models which boast six generations of models. Moreover, we produce aircraft according to the European certification CS23 (known as FAR23 the US). We offer both two seat and four seat models,” says Mr Fogliano.

Safety is the key

Tecnam is the first choice of private general customers and flight training centres. With over 3800 Tecnam aircraft operating around the world, Tecnam customers and operators are supported by a global network of over 60 dealers and 100 Tecnam Service Centres. “We have a subsidiary in Sebring, Florida,” adds Mr Fogliano. “Thanks to our diversified production, we are able to serve different segments of the market. For example, the ultralight two seater aircraft appeal to general customers who are passionate about flying; whereas, certified aircraft are aimed at flying training centres and small businesses,” explains the CFO of Tecnam.

Last but not least, the Italian company provides aircraft equipped with airborne systems. “We work in collaboration with some of the major companies in the airborne industry and they help us offer the very best.” Tecnam aircraft are equipped with state-of-

the art airborne search & identification radars, surveillance systems, large format long range day and infrared stabilized optical sensors, depending on the needs of the clients.

Tecnam also produces the MRI and MMA models. The MRI line provides maritime surveillance in order to supply information on all activities carried out at sea within the territorial waters or Economic Exclusivity Zone that could impact the security, safety, economy or environment of a country. The MRIs may be used for maritime safety and search and rescue operations, fisheries protection, maritime oil fields protection, illegal immigration interdiction and other law enforcement missions. The MMA (Multi Mission Aircraft) are special mission aircraft equipped with additional electrical power (a separate 28V/70Amps electrical mission supply), a retractable sensor system and an integrated pilot flight guidance system/sensor operator workstation.

Future growth

“In our business, developing and investing are vital to the success and, sometimes, survival of the company,” says Mr Fogliano. “We take advantage of unfavourable market conditions to invest in the development of new products and get ready to get back in the game.” With the recent financial crisis having been particularly prolonged, the investment needed to be equally significant. “Investing and diversifying is crucial to face hard times. Our after sales assistance service and spares sales helped to balance our low profits in other areas.”

As part of this investment plan, Tecnam is working on a brand new aircraft. “This new product belongs to the upper segment of the market. It is an 11 seat, double engine aircraft for short distance journeys, about 150-400 miles,” explains the CFO of Tecnam. “It is a versatile aircraft as it can be used for public transport as well as in public services, such has hospitals and cargo.”

Finally, Tecnam is a proud provider of internships and research programmes for students. Among its close collaborators are the University of Naples and the CIRA, the Italian Aerospace Research Centre. n

www.winter-instruments.de

Experience

A good name is undertaking an obligation. Messrs. Winter GmbH & Co. KG have a tradition of more than 80 years in the fi eld of development, production and service of fl ight instruments. Our great experience is leading to innovation and continuous further development.

Qualification

On the basis of modern technique and best expert’s knowledge, precision is possible. We therefore always take use of methods, procedures and machines corresponding to up to date knowledge and technique. Our endeavour is to have a qualifi ed and specialized staff in order to reach best quality in all scopes of our company.

Gebr. Winter GmbH & Co KG | Hauptstr. 25, D 72417 Jungingen | Tel: +49 (0)7477 262

IN TOP GEAR

The Czech company WISCONSIN ENGINEERING CZ, s.r.o., a major producer of garden machines and grounds maintenance equipment, continues a long tradition of agricultural machinery production in Prostejov. Its success in the 21st century is, however, based on innovations which help the business to stay ahead of its competitors. Romana Moares reports on recent company development and new products launched in the last few years.

The core business of the company operating under the rather unusual name of Wisconsin Engineering, is the production of lawn tractors, utility tractors, snow blowers and, last but not least, production of a wide range of accessories for (not only) their machines. Warranty and after-warranty maintenance as well as door-to-door delivery of spare parts are an integral part of the company services.

Wisconsin Engineering did not follow the route of purchasing and importing the products of foreign manufacturers. The decision to focus on making high-quality and fully competitive Czech products has proved to be a good one – amongst other benefits it has improved employment in the region and made excellent use of highly skilled and experienced engineering staff in Prostejov.

One of the reasons behind the company’s dynamic growth has been its product development capability. The product development team has worked intensively throughout the years to continuously introduce new garden and utility machines, thus keeping abreast of large local and international competitors. The company’s portfolio can be roughly divided into two groups: utility machines which include – in line with current trends – universal all-year garden and ground maintenance machinery, and agricultural products, i.e. specialized machines for agricultural gardening, orchard management, vineyards and forestry.

English name, Czech tradition

Do not be fooled by the English sounding company name. Today’s company follows the tradition of agricultural machines production in Prostejov started in 1878 as a purely Czech business. And so is Wisconin Engineering today. Members of the older generation remember well the symbol of man standing astride holding a hammer and the Wikov brand, younger people are familiar with its successor, Agrostroj.

In the 1990s, the current owner decided to join this more than hundred-year tradition with the American technology and knowhow. The current company name is the result of a partnership with American Wisconsin Engineering which started in 1998. “In 2000 the Americans finished their involvement in Prostejov, however, we kept the business running and continued to produce some of their machines,” explains the owner and company director Ing. Jaroslav Olmr. The letter “W” included in names of various products thus symbolizes the century long engineering tradition in Prostejov and the testimony of the renowned Wikov brand.

Just like any other engineering business, Wisconsin Engineering was hit by the recession in late 2000. “We had to reduce staff numbers but the recession made us analyze market needs in detail and identify new opportunities,” says the owner. They succeeded very well – which is demonstrated by the current company position and an increase in demand of 300 per cent in 2013, not only from the local market but primarily from global customers.

The needs of modern society

Roughly 50 per cent of the company’s activities are today made up of sub-contracting, with the other 50 per cent represented by