DESIGN MANUFACTORING SPA

Their core work

DEMA is a Naples-based aerospace manufacturing company specializing in the production of aircraft structural components — doors, frames, and fuselage assemblies. Their core competence lies in advanced composite manufacturing techniques, particularly out-of-autoclave processes and thermoplastic forming for airframe structures. They serve the European aeronautics supply chain as a Tier 1/2 supplier, working on both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft platforms under the Clean Sky 2 programme.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2014–2018), DEMA focused on specific airframe components — door structures, thermoforming, welding, and developing out-of-autoclave processes for composite frames. Their work was highly component-specific, centered on manufacturing process innovation for individual parts. By 2019–2024, the focus broadened toward full aircraft and rotorcraft platforms, with emphasis on eco-design, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency — reflecting the aviation industry's shift toward greener manufacturing and the Clean Sky 2 programme's evolving priorities.

DEMA is moving from pure manufacturing process development toward sustainable aviation design, positioning themselves for next-generation green aircraft programmes.

How they like to work

DEMA operates predominantly as an active partner (5 of 6 projects), contributing specialized manufacturing expertise to large aerospace consortia. They coordinated once (COFRARE 2.0, a smaller €78K project), suggesting they are comfortable leading focused technical topics but primarily thrive as a key industrial contributor in larger programmes. With 101 unique partners across 15 countries, they are well-integrated into the European aerospace R&D network and accustomed to working within complex, multi-partner Clean Sky 2 structures.

DEMA has collaborated with 101 unique partners across 15 countries, reflecting deep integration into the European aeronautics supply chain. Their network is built primarily through Clean Sky 2, connecting them to major airframers, research centres, and material suppliers across the EU.

What sets them apart

DEMA brings a rare combination of advanced composite manufacturing capability and thermoplastic processing expertise specifically tailored to aircraft structural components. Unlike research-focused partners, they are a production-oriented industrial company that can take processes from development to high-rate manufacturing. For consortium builders in aeronautics, they offer an Italian industrial manufacturing partner with proven Clean Sky 2 experience and the capacity to bridge process R&D with actual production readiness.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GAM AIR 2018
  Largest single project by EC funding (€839K), representing a major airframe integration effort spanning 5 years.
• COFRARE 2.0
  DEMA's only coordinated project — focused on their core differentiator: out-of-autoclave composite frame manufacturing at high production rates.
• TOD
  Directly addresses thermoplastic door structures with specific manufacturing techniques (thermoforming, welding), showcasing DEMA's component-level specialization.