An exciting new collaboration in the UK aerospace industry wasannounced last night at the Gala Dinner held on the eve ofParcAberporth Unmanned Systems 2005. Aerospace Wales Forum (AWF) andthe SBAC have agreed on a new partnership to strengthen support for UKaerospace companies.
Commenting on the new collaboration, Director of AWF, John Whalley,said, “This partnership provides a win-win solution, with SBAC gaininga presence in Wales and Aerospace Wales Forum member companies gainingaccess to additional services. It also helps ensure that the excitingdevelopments currently being pursued in Wales can be fully aligned withthe UK aerospace strategy.
“The regional partnerships being established across the UK are anatural embodiment of the lean principles which aim to deliver enhancedvalue to member companies and other stakeholders.”
SBAC Director General, Dr Sally Howes, said, “I am delighted that theAerospace Wales Forum has become SBAC’s latest partner. Thiscollaboration will give AWF a stronger voice in developing UK aerospacestrategies and access to the full range of SBAC services. Working inpartnership we can more effectively represent the interests of thesector and maximise the market opportunities for companies.“
SBAC has already formed regional partnerships with FarnboroughAerospace Consortium, Northern Defence Industries and the North WestAerospace Alliance. It has also established a dedicated office inScotland and is in discussion with both the West of England AerospaceForum and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.
Aerospace Wales Forum was established in 2002 with the support of theWelsh Assembly Government and now has over 100 members. It supportsthe concepts of lean thinking and their application not only to theindustry itself but also the support services provided by organisationssuch as SBAC and the regional aerospace associations. To know more goto: http://www.aerospacewalesforum.com/
Six out of ten of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies(EADS, BAE Systems, GE, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Thales) havefacilities in Wales. The Airbus wing plant at Broughton is the jewelin the crown in North Wales and South Wales is home to a majormaintenance, repair and overhaul cluster that includes three divisionsof British Airways, GE Aircraft Engine Services, Nordam and the DefenceAviation Repair Agency (DARA).
Aerospace is viewed as a key sector by the Welsh Assembly Government. A dedicated aerospace sector team has been established at St Athan hasbeen tasked with developing a sector strategy for Wales. Majoraerospace park developments are being supported at St Athan, Hawardenand Parc Aberporth. Wales is an enthusiastic supporter of the Nationalaerospace technology strategy and has committed significant funds toASTRAEA, the autonomous vehicle demonstrator programme.
For details on the ParcAberporth Unmanned Systems 2005 event go to: http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/en4193?printFriendly=1