Escribano, the Spanish engineering group, has taken a notable step in the European defense landscape by acquiring a 3% stake in Indra, a move valued at more than 65 million euros. This investment elevates Escribano to the rank of Indra’s second industrial partner and strengthens its position as a key reference in Spain’s defense sector. The move signals a robust alignment between Escribano’s ambitious growth plan and Indra’s expansive capabilities, reinforcing the strategic role of private industry in modernizing national security infrastructure. (Escribano press release)
From Escribano’s perspective, the transaction embodies a clear commitment to the resilience and vitality of Spain’s defense industry. The company emphasizes that defense represents a strategic sector for the country’s socio-economic development and that Escribano intends to contribute its experience and know-how to sustain this momentum. The partnership underscores a shared belief that a strong, competitive defense industry benefits technology, jobs, and regional innovation across Spain. (Escribano press release)
As a result of the investment, Escribano becomes Indra’s fifth-largest shareholder. The ranking ahead of them includes the State Industrial Subsidiaries Company (SEPI), Fidelity, Amber, and SAPA, highlighting the evolving mix of public and private participation in Indra’s ownership structure. This shift reflects broader market dynamics in which strategic investors deepen ties with major tech and defense groups to drive long-term value creation. (Escribano press release)
Executives at Escribano point to a growth trajectory built on a clear, long-term strategy started in 2010. The company pursued vertical integration across its production capabilities, aiming to control the entire lifecycle of its products from design to final manufacture. This approach seeks to reduce dependency on external suppliers, accelerate time-to-market, and enhance product quality through tighter governance of each phase of production. (Escribano press release)
To translate strategy into tangible results, Escribano has launched a rigorous R&D+I program that concentrates expertise across engineering, design, and manufacturing roles. The goal is full end-to-end oversight of the production chain for all products. Today, Escribano designs and manufactures at its facilities in Alcalá de Henares, leveraging modern tooling, intelligent processes, and a culture of ongoing improvement. This integrated model supports faster iteration, higher reliability, and the ability to deliver tailored solutions to defense customers. (Escribano press release)
Over the past decade, Escribano has transformed from a smaller, regional operation into a global player. Employment has grown from about 80 professionals to roughly 700, and the company achieved an estimated turnover of 140 million euros in 2023. With a footprint that spans more than 20 countries, Escribano has established a diversified customer base and a reputation for engineering excellence in defense technologies. The company’s global reach is buttressed by active collaboration with academic institutions and a strong presence in the Community of Madrid, where partnerships with universities and vocational training centers help to cultivate the next generation of engineers and technicians. (Escribano press release)
Industry observers note that Escribano’s expansion has been fueled by a combination of strategic investments, in-house innovation, and deep ties to the academic ecosystem. By fostering research collaborations and practical training initiatives, Escribano aligns cutting-edge research with real-world production needs, turning theoretical advances into deployable defense capabilities. This integrated approach not only supports product development but also contributes to regional economic diversification and high-skilled employment. (Escribano press release)