Hampshire: RHH Franks approved as partner for Leonardo Helicopters

Hampshire firm RHH Franks has been approved as a digital subcontract manufacturing partner by Leonardo, one of the world’s leaders in aerospace, defence and security for its helicopter division. 

The New Milton-based company is a global component manufacturer and has been working with the aerospace engineering solutions provider Leonardo since the 1990s, manufacturing quality components for legacy aircraft, including the Lynx and Sea King. 

Following significant investment in a factory expansion, specialist resources and the CATIA V5 system, RHH Franks is now able to receive digital, 3D product designs and manufacture any component required for the Leonardo fleet, including the Wildcat helicopter. 

This has led to the official approval of RHH Franks as a digital subcontract manufacturer by Leonardo and enhances the company’s manufacturing capability for other clients worldwide across multiple sectors.

Elsa Hogan, RHH Franks Managing Director, said: "Leonardo is an innovative company manufacturing one of the most wide-ranging and versatile aircraft fleet in the world, and for that alone we are proud to have been working with them for almost 30 years. 

"We are therefore thankful, that with its support, we were able to take the next step in our growth plan and develop our manufacturing capacity and capability with CATIA V5. The software has already had a considerable positive impact on output, and we hope to increase this further by working more with Leonardo in the future."

Christopher Thomson, Supplier Development Manager UK for Leonardo Helicopters (UK) division, said: "We’ve always experienced the highest level of service and quality since working with RHH Franks and are delighted to be able to add them to our approved digital partner list. 

About RHH Franks

RHH Franks are accredited specialists in the complete manufacture of components for aerospace and allied industries.

Using traditional tool making techniques and modern processes together with the latest technology and CNC machining facilities, the company manufactures to any design specification from its recently expanded 30,000 sq ft factory in Hampshire.

Pictured: Christopher Thomson, Supplier Development Manager UK for Leonardo Helicopters (UK) division, with RHH Franks Managing Director, Elsa Hogan