ITP Aero opens its new advanced manufacturing center in Zamudio with the presence of the Prime Minister of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Lehendakari of the Basque Government, Imanol Padrales
ITP Aero, a global leader in aerospace propulsion and majority-owned by Bain Capital, has today inaugurated its advanced manufacturing center ADMIRE, which will accelerate the company’s transformation toward more sustainable aviation and employ more than 150 highly qualified professionals. The company has invested 24 million euros in this new center, located at ITP Aero’s headquarters in Zamudio (Bizkaia, Spain), which will enable the research of new materials, the development of new high-complexity components, and the enhancement of repairs, offering solutions to address the accelerated growth of commercial aviation and the new needs of the FCAS (Future Combat Air System).
The inauguration was attended by the Prime Minister of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, the Lehendakari of the Basque Government, Imanol Pradales, as well as other authorities and business leaders from the global industrial sector.
Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group, commented, “The inauguration of this center demonstrates our commitment to more sustainable aviation, at a time when commercial aviation, the main growth engine of our company, has a significant need for new technological solutions to meet future engine demand. ADMIRE will be a catalyst for employment and industry in the Basque Country. We will continue to work to further position Spain as a leading country in the global aerospace industry.”
Ivano Sessa, Co-Head of Private Equity Europe at Bain Capital, said, “At Bain Capital, we support ITP Aero in its determination to become a global leader in the sector, with a strong commitment to technology, innovation, and the growth of the industrial footprint. ITP Aero’s growth is remarkable, and at this rate, it will soon be one of the largest companies in the sector. ITP Aero has capitalized on the dynamism of commercial aviation, and we are confident that it will continue to lead this market with flexible and efficient solutions.”
Since Bain Capital’s arrival in 2022, ITP Aero has invested more than 235 million euros, with a record industrial and technological investment plan that positions the company as an industrial giant in commercial aviation. This includes the acquisition of BP Aero, a leading provider of aviation engine aftermarket services located in Dallas, USA, as well as a new casting plant and a new logistics center in the production hub of Querétaro, Mexico, in addition to significant investments in the company’s plants in Bizkaia (Barakaldo, Derio, and Zamudio).
Record Growth Driven by Commercial Aviation
Coinciding with its 35th anniversary, ITP Aero is experiencing a period of significant growth, driven by the dynamism of the commercial aviation sector, which currently accounts for 70% of its business. This growth is the result of ITP Aero’s strong positioning in the commercial aerospace market and inorganic growth fueled by its ability to expand its services and client portfolio as a result of being an independent company, thanks to its shareholder consortium.
This growth has led to a solid increase of up to 1,200 employees in the past two years since the arrival of Bain Capital, bringing the total to 5,700 people worldwide. Currently, ITP Aero is a technology partner in 40% of the commercial aircraft engines delivered annually, resulting in over 5,000 engines currently in service. ITP Aero powers six aircraft takeoffs per minute worldwide.
In 2025, ITP Aero will continue to be committed to its growth strategy, which will include organic investments and targeted M&A actions, aimed at strengthening its global presence and positioning in the commercial MRO market.
More Innovation in 2025
A key focus of ITP Aero’s investment plan is innovation, which is highlighted by the inauguration of ADMIRE. This new facility will play a key role in finding solutions for more sustainable aviation engines through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hybridization, and hydrogen. Additionally, the center will address propulsion challenges for new defense platforms and implement more efficient manufacturing processes.
Specifically, ADMIRE will focus on four key technologies:
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing).
- Advanced casting.
- Advanced repair and welding, a key factor for sustainability, reducing waste in the manufacturing of original equipment and extending the service life of components.
- Industry 4.0. Implementation of machine learning and AI for complete process optimization.
