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Simone Lombardo has progressed from a mechanic to a production manager at Patria’s military aircraft engine repair facility in Belgium. A strong work background provides a solid foundation for leading an international team.

Patria’s unit in Belgium, PBEC (Patria Belgium Engine Center), has long been responsible for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for F-16 fighter jets’ Pratt & Whitney F100 engines. It is considered one of the most respected operators in its field globally.

I am close to the practical work and know the teams’ challenges well, having done the same jobs myself.

Simone started working at the production facility as an Engine Mechanic a little over ten years ago. He is a trained electromechanical technician specializing in automation systems and has advanced in his career to become the unit’s production manager.

According to Simone, operational work experience is very useful in a leadership role, where he is responsible for the daily work of a 46-person team.
– I am close to the practical work and know the teams’ challenges well, having done the same jobs myself.

Simone believes Patria offers the opportunity to develop in one’s career and move on to increasingly demanding tasks.
– I have been trusted, and I have been given more responsible duties. I try to be worthy of that trust and do things as well as I can. That gives me energy and motivation.

People are always at the center of leadership

A close connection to operational activity is reflected in Simone’s leadership style. It is based on trust, openness, and continuous improvement.
– I am strongly results-driven and committed to developing processes and performance. On the other hand, the human side is important because people and supporting them are always at the heart of leadership.

Simone’s workday usually starts before six in the morning. He goes through the day’s tasks and schedules with his team. The workday also includes planning and quality assurance tasks.

The human side is important because people and supporting them are always at the heart of leadership.

The production unit in Herstal, near the city of Liège, is a highly international workplace, employing people of several nationalities alongside Belgians. Simone’s own roots are in Italy.

Customers from around the world

PBEC was originally a production unit established by the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which has operated in Belgium for over 40 years. Only a handful of companies worldwide can offer the same level of services for F100 engines.
– Our unit’s clientele consists of air forces from several countries, says Simone.

Extensive experience and top-level professionalism have brought PBEC customers not only from Europe but also from Asia, North America, and South America. Customers send the fighter jet engine or parts of it to Patria. At the PBEC production facility, it is disassembled, and after inspecting and possibly replacing parts, the engine is reassembled and sent back to the customer. In addition to its own production unit, Patria people also work at the Belgian Air Force’s air base.

Employees appreciate Patria as an employer

Simone had worked for a few years at the engine repair shop when the company was acquired by Patria.
– We used to be a very small operator, but with Patria, we feel we are part of something bigger. Talking with colleagues, you notice they are proud of their workplace.

Talking with colleagues, I've noticed how proud they are of Patria as their employer.

The workdays often run long, but in addition to family, there is also time for hobbies. In his free time, Simone enjoys gardening, but he is also passionate about crafts and technology. Recently, he has focused especially on 3D printing and has developed computer software for it.
Simone has a home office where his own 3D printer produces all kinds of objects and device parts.
– I am especially proud of the automated cell phone holder I designed, which allows the phone to be used for 360-degree photography. It allows me to do photogrammetry and build a 3D Scan I can use to do reverse engineering.