UK aerospace industry launches supply chain guide

(LONDON, UK, 15 December, 2006) -- SBAC's Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) has launched its implementation guide. The SC21 initiative is charged with transforming the UK defence and aerospace supply chains and the implementation guide gives specific advice on how to work together for better effect, focusing on the areas of:

- relationships - how companies communicate and interact in supply chains has long been recognised as a key factor influencing the ability of the industry to compete and increase its share in world markets.

- performance and development - signatory companies recognise the importance of achieving commonality in supply chain development processes, including the use of lean principles and practices.
- accreditation - reduced auditing through the recognition of supply chain accreditation, so avoiding repetition and duplication in processes and reducing the burden on supply chain companies.

The SC21 guide is a major step towards creating a supply chain fully prepared to meet the challenges faced by the UK aerospace sector in the 21st century. It sets out key areas where industry must work to improve efficiency and effectiveness in order to stay competitive in an increasingly aggressive global market.

Lord Drayson, in welcoming the implementation guide on the first anniversary of the launch of Defence Industrial Strategy, said "I am delighted and encouraged to see the way that industry is embracing this important programme of supply chain improvement".

Chris Geoghegan, President of SBAC, commented "Achieving supply chain improvement is critical to the continued competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry, in both civil and defence sectors. I am confident that the efforts we are all making on SC21 will deliver benefits and form the backbone for a more innovative and competitive UK industry".

Source : SBAC