Seven global aerospace companies were in Northern Ireland last week as part of a visit programme designed to build on Northern Ireland’s reputation for excellence in the aerospace sector.
Hosted by Invest Northern Ireland, the UK Civil Aerospace Cluster of companies were briefed about the capabilities of the local aerospace sector as well as the businesses benefiting from their involvement in the SC21 Supply Chain excellence programme.
Jeremy Fitch, Invest NI’s Director of Business Solutions said: “This visit programme forms part of Invest NI’s continuing efforts to build awareness of the expertise available within the NI aerospace supply base. Our aim is to help our local firms to develop relationships and ultimately leverage new business with UK Tier one companies.
“Northern Ireland’s Partnering for Growth Strategy continues to be the focus of those working in the industry. Invest NI remains committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland’s aerospace sector has a supply chain that can grow its capabilities in the high-technology, high-value areas where the industry needs to compete.”
Philip McBride, ADS NI Chairman, said: “On behalf of the industry sector, we very much welcome the UK Civil Aerospace Cluster visit to Northern Ireland. We have a very strong, high quality aerospace supply base and we are very keen to develop these important relationships in a way which is beneficial to the sector and to industry in Northern Ireland. The aerospace industry contributes £29bn per year to the UK economy and as a region we can play an important role helping to further grow this vital sector.”
The UK Civil Aerospace cluster visit to Northern Ireland was led by Airbus, working with Bombardier Aerospace, Cobham, Eaton, GE Aviation, GKN and Meggitt. The aim was to use the collaborative supply chain methodology that has been successfully embedded in Northern Ireland, across the rest of the UK.