Insider Media Limited

A cluster aimed at developing supply chains for the aerospace industry has been launched in the West Midlands. Belfast-based Bombardier Aerospace has teamed up with the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands (MAS-WM) and Sigma Management Consultants to launch the 21st Century Supply Chain (SC21) cluster.

The aim of SC21 is to "improve the UK aerospace industry’s capabilities and make it more competitive".

Bombardier says SC21 is an "excellent opportunity" to manage its supply chain and provide high levels of competence in supply planning, inventory forecasting and modelling.

MAS-WM says funding support is available for companies keen to commit to the project.

MAS-WM’s Cliff Johnson said: "By forming this cluster, we support and nurture them (SC21 suppliers) as a group and they can put themselves in a position to win future business in an incredibly competitive marketplace."

Bombardier’s supply chain manager Caolan Small said: “We were one of the original signatories at the Farnborough Airshow in 2006. Now we are looking to promote the benefits of the SC21 programme in the Midlands.

“Through engagement with SC21, we have been able to improve relationships with our supplier base and identify opportunities to further improve those partnerships. Those suppliers who have been genuinely active on the programme have demonstrably improved their on-time delivery performance.”