Hutchinson AeroTech joins Bombardier's Supply Chain Development Programme
Launched in December 2013 and with its sister company, Hutchinson Engineering, recently named as 2014’s Best Subcontractor – Forming and Fabrication by the MWP Manufacturing Awards in April 2014, and as Best Newcomer at the IIP inaugural awards in London in June 2014, this is without doubt another feather in the cap for manufacturers, Hutchinson AeroTech and Hutchinson Engineering.
SC21 is an ADS supply chain excellence programme, which encourages best practice and helps increase the competitiveness of aerospace and defence companies operating in the supply chain. Invest Northern Ireland plays a key role in supporting the local companies participating in the programme.
Mark Hutchinson (above), Managing Director of Hutchinson AeroTech said: “We are delighted that we are a part of Bombardier’s Aerospace third wave of the successful SC21 supply chain competitiveness programme. The programme will allow us to develop skills and capacity, which will ensure a culture of continuous improvement within our organisation.
“To date our significant growth has come as a result of strategic partnerships and our growing reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s leading sub-contract laser cutting manufacturing companies. I believe that being a part of Bombardier Aerospace’s SC21 programme will only add to that.”
Stephen Cowan, Vice President, Supply Chain and Fabrications, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, added: “We have been involved with the SC21 programme since its launch in 2006 and have seen the positive benefits that the previous two waves have brought to Bombardier and the suppliers involved.
“The successful suppliers from the programme to date have differentiated themselves in terms of their capability to consistently deliver high quality products and evolve that capability to meet the continued needs of our business. The recent announcement allows us to reach out to a further six key local suppliers and begin the journey to further strengthen the competitive capability within Northern Ireland.”
Dr Leslie Orr, Manager ADS NI, said: “Northern Ireland has a very strong aerospace supply base and Bombardier is an outstanding champion of SC21 Business Excellence.
“This is indeed great news for Hutchinson AeroTech and the other recent entrants to this programme. It will only strengthen their relationships and further adds to the strength of the aerospace sector in the region.”
