Insight

For Leonix Fasteners the last two years have been characterised by notable changes including new investors and investments, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth, in order to develop tailor-made fasteners.

During 2023 the founders of Leonix completed a partnership with new investors, all of whom have extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. The main objective of this partnership is to strengthen Leonix’s growth trajectory and expand its geographic presence; diversify its product range; as well as enter new target markets and actively seek complementary acquisitions.

In March 2024, Leonix Fasteners also strengthened its turning milling department with the purchase of an automatic lathe for the secondary operations of pre-formed bespoke parts. The new machine enables Leonix to rework extruded cold formed fasteners in stainless steel, special alloys and also carbon steel. The secondary operation can be made on infinite geometries with a diameter range between 4mm – 20mm.

Leonix explains: “Strengthening this department means Leonix can create grooves, holes, knurling, shank reductions, machining on the tip and on the head and much more. The combination of cold forming and rework offers a cost-effective alternative to the traditional bar turning process, especially as volumes increase, which ensure a more replicable product with excellent mechanical properties at a lower cost. This enables us to become an important point of reference at a European level for this type of product. Our focus is to collaborate more with our customers to understand their needs and develop tailor-made solutions.”

The company, ISO 9001:2015 certified and located in Chiuduno, in the north west of Italy, is able to produce a range of screws in diameters from 4mm to 20mm – in lengths up to 350mm. These screws can also be supplied assembled with washers and with all main thermic and surface treatments (i.e anti-corrosion, lubrication, threadlocking, etc).

Leonix has an integrated in-house production model that covers over 5,000m² including a raw material warehouse, a cold forming department – with up to five blocks machines, a modern mechanical workshop, a threading department, turning/milling department, packaging department, as well as a laboratory fully equipped with the most modern control devices for inspecting incoming goods and screws in all production stages.

The company outlines: “The only way to be competitive on the market is to have an efficient production process achieved by extending the use of Industry 4.0 as far as possible to all stages of production. Of course automation can partially fill labour shortage, which is, and will remain, a challenge for the years to come but we work to cultivate a positive perception of manufacturing in order to attract talented
young people to join our team. We do this by creating a positive and inclusive working environment that is fundamental to our success and growth as a company.”

As well as the focus on its working environment, Leonix has also recently dedicated its efforts and research to develop a range of machined screws in response to ever changing market needs. “These items are the result of the synergy between the economic competitiveness of the cold forging process and the flexibility and precision of the turning process,” mentions Leonix. “We see a lot of potential in this area and will continue to conduct research into opportunities.”

Leonix exports the majority of its products to the European market into a variety of industries including mechanical, building, petrochemical, nuclear, automotive and food. 

“Due to being active in many industries, we are seeing that the supply chain continues to suffer significant issues after the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2024 we now also have additional challenges with rising fuel and energy costs, labour shortages, as well as the difficulties of global trade including marine freight cost increases due to tensions in the Red Sea. This has led many of our customers to review procurement policies and to source products in the regions where they are consumed.” 

To answer that demand Leonix is responding with extremely fast delivery times, timely responses and excellent technical support. “Our highly experienced team is able to support customers in the development of bespoke screws starting from a simple draft. Thanks to our know-how, consolidated knowledge of the sectors, as well as the flexibility of our production, we can develop the best combination of geometry, material, mechanical properties and surface treatments to bespoke performances.” 

A focus on environmentally friendly production is also pushing companies to look closer to home. Leonix is therefore focusing on obtaining its ISO 14001 certification, which it aims to receive by the end of 2024. The company has also installed a 250kW photovoltaic system, as well as charging stations for electric vehicles for all employees. Leonix also utilises low impact stainless steel and purchases stainless steel produced from scrap. 

“We believe that sustainability is our duty and our responsibility. We are constantly adopting the latest technologies for sustainable development and for the reduction of our environmental footprint,” concludes Leonix Fasteners Srl.