Pictured above: Peter Jones, SC21 Project Manager
Manufacturers looking to break into the aerospace and defence
are being given a unique insight into what it takes to sell into
the sector this week.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MAS-WM)
event, which is being held at Wolverhampton Science Park on July
15th, will give companies unique access to some of the industry's
key Primes and Tier 1 organisations and an insight into the
business support available through Supply Chains in the 21st
Century (SC21).
Keynote speakers from the MoD and Aero Engine Controls will
detail what is expected of suppliers, current trends and future
opportunities, including single aisle aircraft and advancements in
composite materials.
There will also be an opportunity to hear from existing
suppliers to the sector, including CHH CoNeX, G&O Springs and
Abbey Metal Finishing Company.
Peter Jones, SC21 Project Manager, was quick to urge firms to
attend:
"Aerospace and defence has stayed pretty strong through the
global recession and we're now looking at a host of new model
introductions, with a focus on narrow body jets and the launch of
the Dreamliner that utilises a host of new composite material
technology.
"Over 45,000 people are employed in the Midlands and our region
- with major clusters in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton -
accounts for 25% of the £20bn-strong UK industry."
He continued: "We've got all of the skills, the proven track
record in powering and controlling aircrafts and, thanks to
partnerships with world-leading academic bases, the innovation and
new technology needed to head off threats from the emerging Chinese
and Indian superpowers.
"This 'Reach for the Sky' event will be an ideal introduction
for firms looking to explore the market and also for organisations
that have taken their first steps, but want to make greater
inroads."
SC21 World Class Supply Chains will also feature high on the
agenda, with an Advantage West Midlands and ERDF-backed support
package still available and offering local companies up to
£20,000 in grants.
The programme focuses on development and commitment to
innovation in the supply chain, relationship building with
customers and quality improvement by working towards industry
accreditations, such as AS/EN9100 and Nadcap.
Once a commitment has been made to participate, an experienced
adviser will arrange for a series of business diagnostics to be
carried out within the company, before a sector specialist from
Industry Forum, TEC or TPT will be introduced to help them move
along the SC21 journey.
"We've already assisted more than 200 businesses and this is
helping the West Midlands' supply chain achieve world class
manufacturing performance and, importantly, put it in a perfect
position to win future work," explained Peter,
"It is more than just a "badge", it is a way of working, a
culture and if implemented successfully will help safeguard and
create hundreds of jobs in our region."
To book your 'free place' please email cholmes@mas-wm.org or
call 07766 470505.