Mon 1st September 2008
SLT Engineering Limited, a local business that specialises in Precision Engineering Services, has been joined by the UK Government's Ministry of Defence in a national aerospace and defence supply chain improvement programme. The programme is called Supply Chains for the Twenty First Century - or SC21 - and brings together companies in the aerospace and defence sector to improve the supply chain in the industry. Over 380 companies nationwide have already signed up to SC21 since its launch in 2006.

Achieving supply chain improvement is critical to the continued competitiveness of the UK aerospace and defence industry and SC21 aims to accelerate the process. With international competition increasing, the participation of companies of all sizes throughout the UK supply chain is crucial to delivering real results from this modernisation programme.

SC21 companies have signed up to a formal recognition process that reflects the contribution and commitment of their supply chain. It costs nothing to join SC21. Member companies can benefit from specific savings - for example they may achieve reduced overheads from supporting fewer supply chain audits from customers, which is valuable in offering the most competitive solutions to customers. Through participating in SC21 businesses also understand how the industry will be changing in the future and will be aware of the latest developments in the sector - key competitive advantages to them.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed up to SC21 at the recent Farnborough International Airshow.

Mr Ernie Craig, of SLT Engineering Limited, said:

"Signing up to SC21 was a very straightforward decision for us. Not only does it help us to streamline our operating procedures and discuss best practice with other, similar, businesses but it also allows us to access potential new customers. Being joined in the programme by the Ministry of Defence shows just how significant the project is and this will help us still further to provide the best service possible to our customers as well as cut down on unnecessary costs."

Russ Armitage, Chairman of SC21, said:

"The future of the UK aerospace and defence industry depends on having an efficient supply chain if we are to remain globally competitive. I believe that SC21 is the way to achieve that."