Civil aviation has an enviable reputation for operational safety, and that is partly driven by extremely rigorous assessments of supply chain partners. You can’t just put a new type of fastener on an aircraft to see what happens.
But such high standards should not put off potential entrants, according to two leaders of supply chain development programmes.
Colin Hart, head of SC21, says: “Specific qualifications are needed, and it’s important that those are in place because of safety; I don’t want to get on a plane that doesn’t have the right bolt. But those standards are do-able. The UK is a growing industry with high-value jobs and third or fourth largest in the world – about level with Germany, depending on how you measure.”
He continues: “With what’s happening with net zero and hybrid aircraft, it’s a good time to get involved. New designs and opportunities are coming along which are not there now. The next step over the next 10-15 years is to zero-emissions aircraft, and in the short term there will be different fuel types, and ultimately probably hydrogen. Electric aircraft will fly short distances. It’s a great time for innovation. The downside is the safety aspect. Everything has to go through repeatability and consistency; that’s what quality is about.”
For one-off projects, NATEP is a part-government-funded collaborative project that aims to foster innovation for processes and products suitable for aerospace. “We have done five projects with fastener manufacturers,” reports programme director Harriet Wollerton – one of which is Kwikbolt (www.is.gd/fitaje, and pictured). “NATEP focuses on SMEs (small to medium enterprises), and fastener manufacturers are part of that. We have calls in autumn and spring, with budgets of £2.5m.”
NATEP offers small businesses funding of up to 70% of projects with budgets up to £300,000 (bigger companies win a smaller fraction). Up to that limit, participants can claim back what they spend in labour and materials, but have to fund the rest. Applicants must be collaborations.
Wollerton says that she expects to fund 10 or so projects this autumn and spring. The autumn call opens officially on 14 November; the spring call opens on 13 March. “We recommend people come to talk to us first,” she adds. “The sooner you come the more help and guidance we can offer.”
Meanwhile, SC21, organised by trade association ADS, takes a wider view. Hart says: “Competitive improvements go hand in hand with innovation. Challenges to the supply chain in sustainability, cost and quality all end up in the supply chain. S21 looks after the framework: how they run the business and build in day-to-day processes. It’s a simple framework, endorsed by key OEMs and customers in the sector. It adopts the principles of lean.”
SC21 includes industry standards. Hart says most companies look at EN9100, although another approach is the process standard NADCAP. That latter standard is North American in origin, run by PRI. An independent approval, it covers special processes: NDT (including fastener testing), welding, heat treatment, coatings and sealants.
SC21’s application process begins with an expression of interest. Following an initial meeting, there is an assessment that leads to a gap analysis which identifies areas of improvement, then an improvement plan. The scheme is based on a model from EFQM: European Foundation for Quality Management. Those demonstrating consistent performance afterwards can apply for an award.
Hart adds: “SC21 is about a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation. Many companies use SC21 as a sourcing tool. It’s a strong business development aid.”
