Insight

Leonix Fasteners announced in October 2023 a strategic equity partnership with Leo1X – an Italian-based family office of American and Italian investors with an extensive expertise in manufacturing and distribution industries – in order to maximise the company’s future prospects.

Leonix Fasteners Srl, a family-owned company based in Chiuduno, northwest Italy, has established itself as a leading manufacturer and distributor in the European market – specialising in the production of high-quality, customised stainless steel fasteners that proudly bear the ‘Made in Italy’ hallmark. 

In the course of 2023, the company’s founders made the strategic decision to seek an equity partner, which resulted in the partnership with Leo1X Srl. “We selected Leo1X as a partner because of their attention to detail; constructive problem solving approach; familiarity with the challenges faced by family-owned businesses; and their in-depth knowledge in our sector,” explains Laura Cattinori, co-founder and CEO of Leonix Fasteners. “By integrating Leo1X into Leonix Fasteners, we are determined to maintain the position as an industry leader in the production of high-quality stainless steel screws and bolts, all under the Leonix name.” 

The Cattinori family will remain to lead the company’s next exciting phase and the unchanged Leonix team will drive the company’s growth, whilst leveraging the experience and the network of accomplished industry professionals that each member of Leo1X has developed over the years.

An insight into Leo1X

Leo1X was founded by four highly experienced partners – Galeazzo Scarampi, Nicolò Vergani, Giuseppe Grimaldi and Federico Foscale – with the goal of investing in solid, profitable niche middle market businesses in Italy and growing them through acquisitions, operational and commercial improvements, as well as significant capital investments.

Each partner at Leo1X brings extensive background and vision to the team, reinforcing the collective resolve to lead Leonix Fasteners towards greater heights and enable it to continue to play a leadership role within the global fastener industry – where customer service, innovation and quality converge to set new standards. 

Nicolò Vergani envisions a future brimming with possibilities for Leonix Fasteners: “The primary objective is clear – to bolster Leonix’s growth trajectory. We will provide the team with all the necessary resources to expand the company’s geographical footprint, diversify its product range, venture into new target markets, as well as actively seeking complementary acquisitions.”

A specialist in stainless steel fasteners

Leonix Fasteners specialises in the manufacturing of customised stainless steel screws, ranging in diameters from 4mm to 20mm and lengths up to 350mm. These screws are available with various assembly options, including washers, and can undergo specific thermic and surface treatments, such as anti-corrosion, lubrication and thread-locking.

As of now, the company exports approximately 80% of its production, serving a wide range of market sectors such as mechanical, building, petrochemical, nuclear, automotive and the food industry. Its products are meticulously crafted to endure specific environmental challenges across diverse applications.

“At Leonix we have established an integrated in-house production model, covering an expansive area of over 5,000m². Our facilities include a raw material warehouse, a cold forming department with five block machines, a state of the art mechanical workshop, a threading department, a turning/milling department, a packaging department, as well as a fully equipped laboratory with cutting-edge control devices for inspecting incoming goods and monitoring screws at every production stage,” underlines Piermario Cattinori, the company’s co-founder and COO.

Leonix Fasteners also has an ISO 9001 certified management system, with the company considering the certification not merely an achievement but as the beginning of a journey toward continuous improvement. Within this framework, staff training stands out as an essential element for Leonix Fasteners, aligning seamlessly with the interconnected processes guiding the company’s operations. Additionally, the deliberate choice to exclusively collaborate with qualified suppliers reinforces the company’s commitment to quality throughout its operations. 

Investing to meet demand

Leonix Fasteners consistently explores new opportunities, such as responding to market dynamics and customer demands by improving its range of precision machined screws. To show its commitment to Leonix Fastener’s growth and customer satisfaction, Leo1X – right after the closing of the partnership and upon the advice of Leonix’s management team – acquired an automatic turning lathe, set to be integrated into operations from March 2024, which will further support the machined screws portfolio.

This tactical decision is expected to significantly enhance the performance of the production department, improving operational efficiency and enabling Leonix Fasteners to more effectively meet evolving customer requirements.

“The machined screws in this range undergo initial cold forming and are then finished through machining operations to achieve features such as cone points, rounded ends, reduced shanks and drilling holes,” highlights Laura Cattinori. “The combination of cold forming and machining offers a cost-effective alternative to the turning process from bars on multi-spindle lathes, especially as volumes increase – providing a more replicable product with excellent mechanical properties at a lower cost.”

In its continuous pursuit of establishing itself as a top tier partner for clients, Leonix Fasteners also places an unwavering emphasis on sustainability. An exemplary testament to this commitment is the recent investment in a new 250 KW solar panel system – a tangible expression of the company’s dedication to minimising its environmental impact and maximising energy efficiency.

The company has also started on the path to obtaining the ISO 14000 certification, a standard designed to establish guidelines for managing and regulating various facets associated with a company’s environmental impact. This certification provides a framework for enhancing and promoting environmentally conscious quality management systems. 

“Our well considered investments are directed toward seamlessly intertwining emerging technologies with sustainability, ensuring a harmonious and forward-thinking approach to our business practices,” mentions Piermario Cattinori. “In this thrilling new phase, Leonix renews its commitment to excellence, fortified by the strengths of the Leo1X team. With a legacy deeply rooted in family values and a visionary outlook set on a global scale, Leonix is not just a company; it stands as a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and precision within the world of fasteners. Our new strategic partnership is set to steer the company on a dynamic path, propelling it towards new heights of success and recognition.”