Neptune Aviation installs Hermle C 400 to support aerial firefighting manufacturing

New machining centre supports aerial firefighting aircraft

Neptune Aviation has reported the installation of a new computer numerical control (CNC) machining centre at its Missoula facility to support in-house production of aircraft parts for aerial firefighting operations.

According to the company, this development marks the first installation of a Hermle C 400 Gen 2 in Montana.

The machine enables the company to manufacture high-precision aerospace-grade components.

Neptune Aviation said the upgrade would reduce its reliance on external suppliers and improve support for its transition to a new aircraft fleet.

The company is currently shifting from the BAe 146 to the Airbus A319 as its primary airtanker platform.

Internal maintenance capacity expanded for A319 platform

Neptune Aviation stated that the new machining system would help manufacture parts specific to the Airbus A319.

The aircraft is a larger airtanker with greater fuel and fire retardant capacity.

Neptune Aviation is currently the only aerial firefighting company using the A319 platform.

Pierre Blouin, Support Shop Manager, said the company would now be able to produce aircraft-specific parts faster and without the delays caused by outsourcing.

Blouin said: “All the parts needed for the A319 are highly customised and specific to Neptune, since we are the only airtanker company utilising the A319 for aerial firefighting operations.

“Being able to build these parts in-house means we avoid the delays and costs of outsourcing the project to a third-party machine shop, helping us to complete maintenance much more quickly.”

Broader supply chain integration planned

Neptune Aviation said the new Hermle system would also allow the company to develop parts for three external customer segments.

The first group will include aviation repair stations.

According to the company, it has already received multiple requests for proposals in this area.

Neptune also plans to target aerospace sector contracts, including with NASA and private organisations.

Its long-term objective is to enter contract manufacturing for a wider industrial market.

Quality assurance process supports aerospace compliance

As a certified repair station, Neptune Aviation said it can provide all documentation required for aerospace customers.

This includes full traceability and compliance paperwork for both custom and batch parts.

The company explained that this certification enables it to serve a wide range of needs, from one-off precision items to small production runs.

Neptune said this is key to establishing trust with manufacturers and repair stations.

It plans to use this capability to expand its business into additional sectors over time.

Workforce growth and further investment planned

Seth Cohen, Machine Shop Lead at Neptune Aviation, said the installation marks the beginning of broader investment in machining capabilities.

Cohen said the company is recruiting skilled machinists to support its expansion.

Cohen said: “We’re committed to expanding both our capabilities and our team.

“This investment in the Hermle C 400 is just the beginning.

“We plan to continue upgrading our equipment and growing the machine shop.

“We’re also actively hiring skilled machinists to help us take full advantage of what this platform can do.

“As I like to say, you can’t bring in a great race car driver if all you’ve got are jalopies.

“With this machine, we’re building a shop that’s ready to compete at the highest level.”

Clifford Lynn, Director of Maintenance at Neptune Aviation, also commented on the installation’s strategic value.

Lynn said: “This is more than a simple equipment upgrade, it’s a major leap forward for our organisation.

“Until now, our machine shop’s main focus has been on supporting internal needs.

“With this investment, we’re expanding our capabilities to reduce reliance on outside suppliers and to open the door to future revenue opportunities.

“The Hermle C 400 gives us the advanced functionality to produce highly complex, precision parts for our own aircraft, and customers across the broader aviation industry and beyond.”

Neptune Aviation installs Hermle C 400 to support aerial firefighting manufacturing: Summary

Neptune Aviation has installed a Hermle C 400 Gen 2 CNC machining centre at its Missoula headquarters.

The system is the first of its kind to be installed in Montana.

It will be used to produce precision parts for the company’s Airbus A319 airtanker fleet.

Neptune Aviation is the only company using the A319 platform for aerial firefighting.

The new equipment is expected to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers.

It will also support faster maintenance and aircraft part production.

Neptune plans to expand its operations to serve external clients in aviation and aerospace.

Initial contracts are being pursued with aviation repair stations.

Future plans include work with NASA and entry into industrial contract manufacturing.

The company is a certified repair station, enabling it to meet strict documentation standards.

Neptune is recruiting new machinists to support the expansion of its machine shop.

Company leadership said further equipment upgrades are expected in future.