Aerospace and defence supply chain recognised for excellence

The SC21 OE programme helps small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aerospace and defence sectors to make operational improvements, reduce overheads and improve their potential to grow.

Three companies have been recognised for achieving the highest possible level Gold performance award. Ten companies have achieved Silver performance awards and two have been recognised with Bronze performance awards.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: “I would like to congratulate each and every one of the Northern Ireland companies who have achieved SC21 performance awards. This has been a very challenging period for the industry and I am pleased to see a record-breaking number of Northern Ireland companies winning these prestigious awards. Achieving excellence in quality and customer satisfaction can boost a company’s global reputation and it is exactly this, which can help to win new business.

“Northern Ireland is a leading region in supply chain excellence and these awards reflect the strong customer focus, performance and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement within the sector. Aerospace & Defence play an important role in the Northern Ireland economy and as the sector looks to rebuild, winning awards such as this will ensure our companies continue to be agile, competitive and customer focused.”

The announcement was made at the SC21 “Recognising Excellence in the Supply Chain” event at FIA Connect, a week of virtual events taking the place of what would have been Farnborough International Airshow, which saw companies recognised with performance awards for boosting their performance through the SC21 OE programme.

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis faced by the industry and never before has operational excellence been so important as we look towards recovery. The SC21 programme provides a great opportunity for companies in the UK’s aerospace and defence sectors to boost their productivity, helping the whole industry to improve its competitiveness.

“Northern Ireland is exemplary in its work in our sectors and I’m pleased to see so many companies recognised for their hard work. It’s great to see both companies achieving their performance awards year after year and those who have been recognised with awards for the first time. Congratulations to all of those who have received an award. We hope to see more companies in Northern Ireland, and throughout the rest of the UK, join the programme and join these companies in achieving operational excellence.”