AZTERLAN and EIPC Join Forces to Drive Joint Innovation Applied to the Aerospace Sector

• January 20, 2026

The Metallurgical Research Centre AZTERLAN and Eibar Precision Casting Group (EIPC) have recently signed a collaboration agreement that represents a firm commitment to share knowledge, resources, and a forward-looking vision in the field of materials and metallic components for the aerospace industry.

“The philosophy behind this agreement is fully aligned with the new industrial strategy of the Basque Government,” says Garikoitz Artola, General Director of AZTERLAN. He refers to the focus on both emerging sectors with growth potential and established key industries, where aerospace clearly stands out. “It is a sector with significant growth potential and traction for the Basque metal-mechanical industry.”

This alliance stems from a natural complementarity. AZTERLAN contributes decades of experience in metallurgical research and material transformation technologies. EIPC, on the other hand, is a benchmark in the development of aluminum, steel, and superalloy components through lost-wax casting (investment casting). Together they aim to create synergies that allow growth in two directions: incremental innovation, which enhances existing solutions, and disruptive innovation, which opens new paths

The agreement includes coordination of high-tech infrastructure, temporary exchange of research and technical staff, and cross-training programs. “We seek to optimize the use of our assets and avoid duplication,” says Artola. “This collaboration will help us contribute to the technological positioning of the Basque Country and strengthen the leadership of our industry.”

Talent Flow Between Industry and Laboratory

One of the pillars of the agreement is precisely this: making knowledge flow. EIPC engineers will gain exposure to cutting-edge research at AZTERLAN, while researchers at the technology centre will gain first-hand insight into real industrial production challenges. The consolidation of specialized talent and the transfer of best practices thus become driving forces behind the collaboration

According to Gonzalo Orbea, CEO and Chairman of EIPC, “We believe that the complementarity between both organizations follows the principles promoted by Basque industrial policy aimed at a more competitive, resilient and technologically advanced economy. These are key aspects if we want to advance toward a leadership position in our respective reference sectors.”

NADCAP and Elite Certification Leap

Among the more tangible objectives is the development of unique testing capabilities linked to certified standards, using NADCAP accreditations in which EIPC is already certified — a fundamental benchmark in the aerospace industry. In this area, EIPC will act as an industrial prescriber to help develop specialized services that strengthen the technological positioning of both organizations.

“This collaboration in the development of capabilities tied to sector-specific accreditations, such as NADCAP, will not only advance our individual value propositions but also generate competitive technological infrastructure and expand the presence of Basque companies and products in global industrial niches,” explains Orbea.

Joint Projects and International Presence

The agreement also includes the coordinated pursuit of resources for R&D projects funded under regional, national and European programs. The idea is to maximize efficiency by combining internal funds with external support, thus strengthening initiatives that would otherwise be difficult to undertake alone..

Both organizations are committed to working together on scientific publications indexed in international journals, congresses and trade fairs. They aim to establish themselves as technological leaders in metallurgy and, in doing so, project the image of the Basque Country as a European reference hub for high-level metallurgy and advanced manufacturing.

AZTERLAN – EIPC, an Alliance for the Future

With this agreement, AZTERLAN and EIPC reinforce their commitment to innovation and competitiveness in the Basque metal industry. It is a public-private collaboration that aims to generate sustainable growth and technological leadership, consolidating an industrial ecosystem capable of competing at the highest levels.