Newry engineering firm, the Exact Group has become the first ever company across the island of Ireland to get a silver award on the Aerospace Supply Chain Programme, SC21, on its first engagement.
The generic route for companies entering the programme is with the accreditation of a bronze award, before progressing to silver.
The Newry company is sponsored through the programme by intelligent solutions firm Collins Aerospace (formerly B/E Aerospace), a unit of Raytheon Technologies.
The Exact Group specialises in precision engineering and composite finishing.
It’s managing director, Stephen Cromie spoke of his delight: “Going directly to SC21 Silver is testament to the amazing work of operations director, Richard Hughes, and my team and is quite an achievement, one which reflects our commitment to excellence, dedication to best practice and high-quality manufacturing."
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, and with Invest NI as a regional partner, the change programme is designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry, by raising the performance of its supply chain.
The SC21 programme is based on companies following a framework to achieve and maintain set criteria within areas including: Business Excellence; Manufacturing Excellence; Relationship Excellence, and Quality and Delivery performance.
Dr Leslie Orr, director of ADS NI, said “Northern Ireland is home to a powerhouse of advance engineering companies, which is responsible for delivering almost £2bn in annual sales, of which 90% are sold outside Northern Ireland.
"The Exact Group is one such company in that integrated supply chain and their direct entry at SC21 Silver is recognition of their tremendous record of quality, performance, lead times and delivery.
“Given the current uncertain climate, this SC21 recognition will only serve to strengthen the company’s relationships with their customers in the aerospace sector and beyond. Well done to Stephen and his team.”
Source: Written from press release
