Aerospace subcontractor declares independence
Tynesider Ford Aerospace has joined the North West Aerospace Alliance's ASCE programme
Ford Aerospace is the first subcontractor to join a North West supply chain programme from outside the area, and the first with no regional funding.
The North West Aerospace Alliance has signed up South Tyneside-based Ford Aerospace as its first customer from outside the region to its industry leading Aerospace Supply Chain Excellence Programme (ASCE). In a further milestone, Ford is not receiving any regional support for its participation, making it the first independent company on the programme.
The NWAA is aiming to provide a comprehensive approach to supplier development through the ASCE programme.
ASCE is a multi-million-pound scheme designed to elevate the key companies within the supply chain to world competitive status.
NWAA Chief Executive Martin Wright said: “The ASCE Programme has caught the eye of a number of companies and organisations, both within the UK and overseas. We have had discussions with a number of parties, and we are delighted that Ford Aerospace has chosen the ASCE product.
“In the current economic climate there is a real need for organisations to move away from being reliant on public funding where possible. While this will clearly put more pressure on us as an organisation, we have always aimed to be commercially independent.
“We are already in talks with a number of other companies and organisations interested in ASCE following the Ford Aerospace example.”
Ford, based in South Shields, is a manufacturer of components and assemblies to the aerospace, defence and other high technology industries. Current customers include BAE Systems, Airbus, Agusta Westland, APPH and export customers in China, Italy, Germany and France.
This year Ford is celebrating its centenary and the business is still family-owned.
Mark Podmore, operations director at Ford Aerospace, said: “This year demonstrates a significant milestone for Ford as we celebrate our 100 years and the company prides itself on its strong heritage and traditional core values which form part of our culture. This gives us a firm basis to grow and develop as we move forward with our current investment program and business development framework, of which ASCE is a very important element. We are looking forward to working with the NWAA on the ASCE program and we are confident this will be a major success to both parties.”
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