An exciting new collaboration in the UK aerospace industry was announced last night at the Gala Dinner held on the eve of ParcAberporth Unmanned Systems 2005. Aerospace Wales Forum (AWF) and the SBAC have agreed on a new partnership to strengthen support for UK aerospace companies. Commenting on the new collaboration, Director of AWF, John Whalley, said, “This partnership provides a win-win solution, with SBAC gaining a presence in Wales and Aerospace Wales Forum member companies gaining access to additional services. It also helps ensure that the exciting developments currently being pursued in Wales can be fully aligned with the UK aerospace strategy.
“The regional partnerships being established across the UK are a natural embodiment of the lean principles which aim to deliver enhanced value to member companies and other stakeholders.â€
SBAC Director General, Dr Sally Howes, said, “I am delighted that the Aerospace Wales Forum has become SBAC’s latest partner. This collaboration will give AWF a stronger voice in developing UK aerospace strategies and access to the full range of SBAC services. Working in partnership we can more effectively represent the interests of the sector and maximise the market opportunities for companies.“
SBAC has already formed regional partnerships with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, Northern Defence Industries and the North West Aerospace Alliance. It has also established a dedicated office in Scotland and is in discussion with both the West of England Aerospace Forum and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.
Aerospace Wales Forum was established in 2002 with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government and now has over 100 members. It supports the concepts of lean thinking and their application not only to the industry itself but also the support services provided by organisations such as SBAC and the regional aerospace associations. To know more go to: http://www.aerospacewalesforum.com/
Six out of ten of the world's largest aerospace and defence companies (EADS, BAE Systems, GE, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Thales) have facilities in Wales.  The Airbus wing plant at Broughton is the jewel in the crown in North Wales and South Wales is home to a major maintenance, repair and overhaul cluster that includes three divisions of British Airways, GE Aircraft Engine Services, Nordam and the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA).
Aerospace is viewed as a key sector by the Welsh Assembly Government. A dedicated aerospace sector team has been established at St Athan has been tasked with developing a sector strategy for Wales. Major aerospace park developments are being supported at St Athan, Hawarden and Parc Aberporth. Wales is an enthusiastic supporter of the National aerospace technology strategy and has committed significant funds to ASTRAEA, the autonomous vehicle demonstrator programme.
For details on the ParcAberporth Unmanned Systems 2005 event go to: http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/en4193?printFriendly=1