UK Aerospace Industry Gathers to Examine Supply Chains of the Future
Aerospace supply chain companies came together to discuss future technology, skills and industrial strategy with the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) at an event in association with Airbus and held at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The AGP, a strategic partnership between government and industry to support innovation and growth, has helped aerospace productivity rise by 19 per cent since 2010, compared to 3 per cent in the UK economy as a whole.
Senior leaders of the aerospace industry gathered with government representatives and SMEs from across the UK aerospace sector at the “Supply Chain of the Future” event to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector.
The event aimed to help supply chain companies work more effectively with the sector’s largest manufacturers, develop new technology, and ensure continued improvements in efficiency and productivity.
Tom Williams CBE, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus Commercial aircraft, said:
"UK suppliers play a big part in Airbus’ success. Helping suppliers raise productivity to meet future demand is vital to maximising opportunities for the UK aerospace sector and Airbus.
“Today’s conference has brought together our suppliers, academia and partners from across the UK with a joint vision of working together to develop new approaches to meet our shared challenges.”
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said:
“Supporting the continued development of the UK supply chain is vital for the future of the aerospace industry and the wider economy.
“For the UK to continue to be competitive on the world stage, suppliers need to be agile, invest in their own capability and work in close long-term partnerships with major customers.
“The Aerospace Growth Partnership is providing important help for supply chain companies to improve their global competitiveness and increase their investment in research, innovation and new technology.”
The event heard presentations from participants including Airbus, Rolls Royce, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), BMW, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Sharing in Growth and ADS.