Bradfor secures SC21 Silver Award for third consecutive year
Above: (left to right) Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd and Ann Barnett, Supply Chain Manager, Collins Aerospace, receive the SC21 Silver Award.
The Rostrevor-based company, which provides products to many global clients, was sponsored through the programme by Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins); the aviation giant which combines the strengths of two of aerospace’s leading innovations, Rockwell Collins and United Technologies.
Established in 1996 as a family run business with only six employees, Bradfor has become one of the leading aerospace interiors manufacturers in the UK, specialising in dress covers, upholstery fabrics and leathers. The company invested a substantial amount of money in 2017 with an extension to their facility, as well as the addition of the very latest technology and now has 95 employees.
Bradfor is passionate about maintaining their high-quality and competitive service, achieving an average 99.6% on-time delivery and quality performance throughout 2018. This latest accolade places the company at the forefront of excellence within the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector.
SC21 is one of the largest supply chain improvement programmes in the UK’s aerospace and defence sector. Managed by ADS on a national and international level, the change programme is designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chain.
Speaking about the re-accreditation, managing director of Bradfor, Patricia Clements said: “Bradfor is very proud to receive the SC21 for the third consecutive year. We started out as a small company over 23 years ago and have worked hard to get it to where we are today, so receiving this award is evidence of our success. We are committed to providing a high quality and excellent service to our customers and will continue to do so.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Invest NI and ADS for their support in achieving this accreditation, as well as Collins Aerospace who sponsored us through the programme.”
To achieve the SC21 Silver award, the company has to consistently demonstrate assured quality and delivery performance, along with a strong commitment to growth.
Dr Leslie Orr, Director ADS NI, said: “Achieving SC21 accreditation is a valuable accolade that will allow Bradfor to strengthen their relationship with their customers, as well as adding to the strength of the aerospace sector in the region. Northern Ireland is known for its strong aerospace supply base and it’s great to see an increased number of supply chain companies investing in maximising operational efficiency to progress. This is indeed great news for Bradfor.”
For 11 years Invest Northern Ireland, as a regional partner, has remained committed to the programme and continues to support local companies to progress them on their SC21 journey. Working in partnership with ADS and the industry, Invest NI is encouraging best practice and increased competitiveness across the supply base, underpinned by a culture of continuous improvement. Thus ensuring Northern Ireland Aerospace stays ahead in an increasingly globally competitive environment.
This latest award adds to Bradfor’s already prolific portfolio of industry recognised awards which includes AS9100, ISO 9001, EFQM 5 Star and Investors in People Bronze.
Bradfor will be exhibiting at the world’s leading event for aircraft interior professionals, airlines and their supply chain for cabin interiors, AIX 2019, which takes place in Hamburg from 2nd to 4th April. They will join a number of Northern Ireland suppliers on the Northern Ireland Aerospace/Invest Northern Ireland stand.
