Breaking into aerospace and defence
We have recently had conversations with manufacturers that want to get into the aerospace and defence sectors. They are currently serving other sectors such as automotive, power generation, and nuclear.
Our message to them is consistent.
- Implementing an AS9100 quality management system is non-negotiable. You won’t get a look in with any prospective customer until AS9100 accreditation has been obtained.
- Consider acquiring another business which already has AS9100 accreditation. This will give you an immediate foot in the door.
- Consider what special processes you may be offering as they will need to become NADCAP accredited.
- Ensure you can trace every material and process all the way through your operations and supply chain. Integrity of raw material and processing is a fundamental requirement to ensure safety regulations are met.
- Join some of the UK trade bodies. ADS Group and Midlands Aerospace Alliance are two of the most prominent. They both have memberships which include OEMs, tier 1, and tier 2 companies. Most of your potential future customers, suppliers, and even competitors, will be in them. These trade bodies run numerous networking and meet the buyer events each year.
- Be clear about your positioning. What is you can offer from your experience serving other sectors? Can you provide the additional capacity that many buyers are crying out for right now?
It’s not easy to enter aerospace and defence, but with order books well into the 2030s, the growth opportunities should be well worth the effort.