Due to continued growth at Bradfor Ltd and the award of a number of new contracts, we are currently recruiting for the following positions:
Click on the links above to find out more about the roles or to apply.
Based in Rostrevor, Bradfor Ltd is a family owned business established in 1996. It specialises in the manufacture of dress covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery for prestigious local and international aerospace companies.
We are always searching for people to join our Production team and currently have a need to increase are number of Operators. The role involves stitching various fabrics to a high specification and within a target driven environment using an industrial sewing machine.
What you need
What you’ll get
You will need to be committed to delivering on performance and be able to take advice and guidance from more experienced colleagues. Teamwork is a key factor in our success and underpins everything we do. We are all working to achieve the same goals so it is vital that you can demonstrate that you can work well as part of a team.
These roles present an excellent opportunity for ambitious individuals to join a strong Company that is continuing to grow.
Bradfor Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
What now?
If you are interested in this role and feel you have what it takes then we would really like to talk to you. Please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to info@bradfor.co.uk
Based in Rostrevor, Bradfor Ltd is a family owned business established in 1996. It specialises in the manufacture of dress covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery for prestigious local and international aerospace companies.
The purpose of this role is to support the Product Development Manager in the preparation and completion of First article inspection reports. Assist in the development of new products and the continuous improvement of existing programmes/products. The role holder will be required to be proficient in the ability to interpret technical drawings in order to assist in the conforming of patterns and designs in line with customer specifications. The role holder will be responsible for ensuring that all products conform to customer specifications.
Main Duties (This is not an exhaustive list and a full job spec is available on request)
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something different and will give you the opportunity to join a team where your contribution is valued.
What you need
Not everything is always straightforward so you will also need to have a flexible attitude to work as plans can sometimes change to ensure our customers’ needs are met. The role is busy and can be pressurised and a high standard of work is required at all times, so a calm approach is essential.
What you’ll get
You will need to be committed to delivering on performance and be able to take advice and guidance from more experienced colleagues. Teamwork is a key factor in our success and underpins everything we do. We are all working to achieve the same goals so it is vital that you can demonstrate that you can work well as part of a team.
What now?
If you are interested in this role, please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to info@bradfor.co.uk.
THREE Northern Ireland based companies are set to highlight the epitome of supply chain excellence, and the value of Northern Ireland’s thriving aerospace manufacturing sector to the global market, at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), the world’s leading marketplace for airlines and the supply chain, which takes place in Hamburg from 28th to 30th May.
Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings have, for several years, come together to attend the event, showcasing how they work in collaboration to ensure Northern Ireland is regarded as a reliable supply chain to the global aerospace sector, providing quality high value-added products and services, cost-effectively and on time using excellent logistical services.
As an extension of their customer, each company has a different offering covering soft furnishings, metals and plastics with everything in between; Rostrevor based, Bradfor Ltd is a leading textiles manufacturer using the latest materials and innovations to make everything from seat covers to life vest pouches; Newry based, The Exact Group is a market-leading engineering business specialising in high precision manufacturing and highly cosmetic protective painted and specialised finishings, whereas IPC Mouldings is one of the specialists when it comes to technical plastic components and high level engineered assemblies.
With one in three of the world’s aircraft seats being produced in Northern Ireland, and companies such as Boeing among the global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Tier One companies benefitting from working with the province’s aerospace sector, the collaboration between local companies such as Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings, is key to ensuring they are the ‘go to’ supply chain company of choice for the global market.
Through a combination of investment in advanced technology, improved communication, and innovation, using a local supply chain based in Northern Ireland also means less risk on logistics for its end customers, as well as a lower manufacturing carbon footprint, which is of particular importance given the growing emphasis on sustainability within the aerospace sector.
Patricia Clements, Managing Director at Bradfor Ltd said, “As an SME, we are proud to service the global aerospace market from our base in Rostrevor. We offer a range of innovative textile products including seat covers, life vest pouches, diaphragms, straps and general upholstery. By returning to and exhibiting at this year’s AIX Expo alongside The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings, and having the opportunity to showcase some of our bespoke products on the Invest Northern Ireland (NI) stand, it gives us an excellent opportunity to speak first-hand to aerospace industry leaders and decision makers about our high-quality seating and textile products.
“Northern Ireland is a global hub for the aerospace interiors’ sector and by working collectively and individually, local companies can demonstrate why we are at the fore of supply chain excellence. We are being recognised as a trusted supply chain by some of the world’s biggest buyers in the aerospace sector.”
Invest NI will be hosting Bradfor Ltd, the Exact Group and IPC Mouldings on its exhibition stand at the AIX Expo. It is keen to foster collaboration among non-competing SMEs as it promotes the idea, at AIX and beyond, of a cabin furnishings ecosystem in the province. For the companies themselves, it gives them the chance to move up the value chain by offering a systems solution to a potential customer, rather than simply a collection of components and services.
The Exact Group’s Managing Director, Stephen Cromie, commented, “We are looking forward to attending this year’s AIX Expo. By collaborating with companies such as Bradfor Ltd and IPC Mouldings, we have had the opportunity to share knowledge and prepare together for the exhibition.
“As a specialist engineering company based in Newry, by coming together with the other companies, we can provide an enhanced offering, delivering to global OEMs and being part of the supply chain excellence within Northern Ireland.
“At The Exact Group, we have invested extensively in our capabilities and technology, including the industry-leading, Cerakote thin film ceramic coating technology, which in turn allows us to offer more choice and higher quality products to our clients in the aerospace sector, which gives them the best confidence in our service and delivery.”
The final company in the trio of collaborators, IPC Mouldings, is an award-winning SC21 Gold supply chain excellence partner, which offers a range of specialist skills and services from mould tool design and manufacture to the production of injection moulded parts and engineered assemblies for the most demanding of applications.
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings said, “We are on the countdown to this year’s AIX Expo and through our continued partnerships with Bradfor Ltd and The Exact Group, we have ensured we are at the forefront of the aerospace sector’s interior aircraft needs.
“From our base in Carrickfergus, IPC Mouldings has invested in new technology and focussed on our quality management to help our customers solve problems, reduce costs, and assure quality from our products.
“For such a small place, Northern Ireland really does deliver when it comes to the production of aircraft interiors, with major aerospace corporations depending on the supply chain excellence of the province. We are delighted to once again be collaborating with Bradfor Ltd and The Exact Group.”
Exhibiting as part of Invest NI’s stand (7B42) at the expo, Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings will have the opportunity to meet with some of the top 70 global airlines alongside major OEMs, as they look to shape the future of the passenger experience – and show what Northern Ireland has to offer.
All AS9100 accredited, the three companies will be highlighting their successful collaboration at the exhibition, showcasing their business ethos ‘Stronger together, by building a better supply chain, excellence can be achieved.’
THE global business landscape can be a challenge to small business, but three local companies have differentiated themselves from the competition by coming together with an enhanced offering, delivering to global Original Equipment Manufacturers on the scale of a big business but with agility and flexibility where small business excel.
Rostrevor based Bradfor Ltd, Newry’s The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings from Carrickfergus will be showcasing Northern Ireland’s role in the thriving supply chain aerospace sector by attending one of the biggest events in the aircraft interiors calendar, the AIX Expo in Hamburg, Germany, taking place from 6th – 8th June 2023.
They will be demonstrating how Northern Ireland companies are servicing the global aerospace sector by focussing on collaboration and communication, quality management, technology and innovation, ensuring they are at the forefront of change. Recent investment in advanced technology has also been instrumental in their supply chain success.
Bradfor Ltd supplies the aerospace industry with a range of innovative textile products including seat covers, life vest pouches, diaphragms, straps and general upholstery.
Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd said, “This year’s AIX Expo is an excellent opportunity for us to be in front of a global market audience and to be able to speak first-hand to aerospace industry leaders and decision makers about our high-quality seating and textile products that we produce and how best we can serve their supply chain needs. Northern Ireland is a small place, but our manufacturing capabilities have global reach and by attending the AIX Expo we are being recognised as the location of choice for a trusted supply chain by some of the world’s biggest buyers in the aerospace sector.”
Joining Bradfor Ltd is The Exact Group. From its base in Newry, the company is a market leader in precision engineering and composite finishing and provides its services primarily to the aerospace and defence sectors.
Stephen Cromie, Managing Director of The Exact Group said, “We are looking forward to this year’s AIX Expo and promoting our supply chain excellence to the global aerospace market. The Exact Group has recently invested in new technology and has been appointed a certified applicator of Cerakote which is the world leader in thin film ceramic infused coating technology. This advancement in our services allows us to give our customers more choice for their products and we are looking forward to showcasing these during the exhibition and attracting new customers as well as having the chance to catch up with our current customers.”
Carrickfergus based IPC Mouldings, an award-winning leading provider of injection moulded parts and assemblies will also be at the AIX Expo. It provides key aircraft products including food trays and latch assemblies, armcaps and video bezels.
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings commented, “We are excited to attend this year’s exhibition. Over recent months we have invested in new machinery and redefined our approach in this post covid world by optimising our productivity, extending capability and offering flexible solutions to our customers. By exhibiting at the AIX Expo, we are able to meet with our customers, potential customers, collaborative partners and suppliers and show them how we can meet their needs and provide high quality products and services to a global market.”
Exhibiting as part of Invest Northern Ireland’s stand, Bradfor Ltd, the Exact Group and IPC Mouldings will have the opportunity to meet with and discuss all things interiors, engaging with the top 70 global airlines alongside major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as they look to shape the future of the passenger experience – and show what Northern Ireland has to offer.
In a fast-moving industry engaged in innovation and driven by quality and delivery, these companies excel in their individual performance having successfully undertaken the esteemed aerospace supply chain continuous improvement programme, SC21, designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the UK sector by raising the performance of its supply chain.
All AS9100 accredited, the three companies will be highlighting their successful collaboration at the exhibition, showcasing their business ethos ‘Stronger together, by building a better supply chain, excellence can be achieved.’
Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings are exhibiting in Hall B7, 7B42 as part of the Invest NI exhibition stand.
AS the aviation industry rebounds, three manufacturing companies from Northern Ireland are set to highlight the latest trend in the aerospace sector, as well as showcase their products and capabilities at the world’s leading event for airlines and the supply chain, Aircraft Interiors Expo, which takes place from 14th to 16th June in Hamburg, Germany.
With the latest trend focussed on the customer’s experience and comfort, it’s not surprising that the three companies have collaborated to imaginatively showcase their innovative products on the Invest Northern Ireland stand at this global exhibition.
The stand hosting Rostrevor based seat cover manufacturer, Bradfor Ltd; Newry rapid response, volume precision engineering and composite finishing company, The Exact Group; and Carrickfergus plastic injection moulding company, IPC Mouldings, will feature a figure made from precision engineered parts, chairs with aircraft seat covers a lamp and a table which have been customised by using injection moulded components.
All three companies, which contribute to Northern Ireland’s national and regional prosperity, exporting globally and employing over 250 people between them, are paying homage to the latest trends in cabin products and services within the aerospace sector.
Rostrevor based Bradfor Ltd has been a leading manufacturer of textiles for the aerospace industry for over 25 years, specialising in the manufacture of seating covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery for the local and international aerospace sector.
Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd said, “Given the hiatus in exhibitions these last two years, we are really looking forward to attending this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. It is a key must-attend event in this sector, and it is an excellent platform for us to present our product range to both seating manufacturers and airlines. Given our recent award by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 21G accreditation, this is a great opportunity to showcase our company’s capabilities allowing for further growth within this sector. We are really excited to work together and showcase all that is good about Northern Ireland’s trusted supply chain.”
Staged annually, apart from its cancellation in 2020 and a virtual event last year, the Aircraft Interiors Expo, AIX 2022, is a vibrant business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of leading suppliers to Europe, and international aircraft interiors professionals and airlines with the latest innovations, technologies, and products.
Joining Bradfor Ltd on the Invest NI stand is The Exact Group. Renowned for its high-quality service, delivery and performance, the company’s expertise in precision engineering and composite finishing, coupled with cutting-edge equipment and techniques, ensure that it remains the supplier of choice primarily in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Stephen Cromie, Managing Director of The Exact Group said, “The Northern Ireland supply chain has been presented with an opportunity for growth as organisations look for trusted and valued supply chain partners that are not within low-cost countries. By attending the Expo, we can promote our supply chain excellence to the global aerospace market as we are well positioned to provide high quality, on time delivery and best practice solutions. The design of the stand reflects the current trends in the marketplace, and we aspire to attract and engage new customers, as well as have the opportunity to converse with our current customers.”
IPC Mouldings, an award-winning leading provider of injection moulded parts and assemblies creates seamless integration between design, procurement, engineering and production supporting product whole life.
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings commented, “We are excited and looking forward to AIX Expo 2022. It is an excellent opportunity for IPC to meet with our customers, collaborative partners and suppliers face to face to discuss all things interiors, and we are delighted to once again, join Bradfor Ltd and The Exact Group on the Invest NI stand to showcase our capability and share how we have played our part in some of the sector’s most recent and innovative seating solutions.”
All AS9100 accredited and successful participants in the SC21 aerospace programme, the AIX Expo 2022 will allow Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings to meet top industry experts and buyers and showcase how collaboration and performance is key to providing an excellent customer partnership.
Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings are exhibiting in Hall B7, 7D10 as part of the Invest NI exhibition stand.
ROSTREVOR based manufacturer, Bradfor Ltd has been awarded the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 21G accreditation, which enables the company to work directly with airlines and MROs, and manufacture aircraft interior products that can be installed straight onto an aeroplane.
Established in 1996, Bradfor Ltd manufactures a range of aircraft seating products including covers, diaphragms, and general upholstery. The company has built an excellent reputation as one of the leading suppliers in the marketplace, supplying products to many customers within the global aerospace sector.
Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, Patricia Clements spoke about the internationally recognised accreditation saying, “Receiving the CAA Part 21G approval marks a new milestone for Bradfor Ltd and enables us to directly approach airlines and MROs.
“This accreditation is an outstanding achievement for our team, and we’re truly delighted. We look forward to moving the business to the next level and achieving further growth within the aerospace sector after what has been a turbulent two years.”
Bradfor Ltd now joins the leading aerospace organisations in Northern Ireland that have previously secured the accreditation, including Thompson Aero Seating, and Collins Aerospace.
This accreditation solidifies Bradfor Ltd’s commitment to high performance and delivery standards within the aerospace sector. The company already holds the SC21 Silver supply chain excellence partner accreditation, EFQM 5 star and ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.
Dr Leslie Orr of ADS (NI) said, “I’d like to extend my congratulations to the team at Bradfor Ltd on being awarded the 21G accreditation. We have a very strong aerospace industry in Northern Ireland, which has long been one of the key drivers of our economy. The industry is rich in knowledge, skills and experience, and it is companies like Bradfor Ltd that contribute to this. Patricia [Clements] and her team must be commended on this remarkable achievement – well done!”
During the global pandemic, Bradfor Ltd diversified into additional sectors, manufacturing medical products that were distributed to organisations throughout the north and south of Ireland in addition to giving voluntarily to the local care homes and GP practices.
The company is currently preparing to exhibit as part of the Invest Northern Ireland stand at the upcoming Aircraft Interiors Expo, which takes place in Hamburg, Germany in June.
Aircraft Interiors Specialists will be exhibiting at this year’s virtual event
TWO of Northern Ireland’s top aerospace manufacturers are joining the world’s leading aerospace companies at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) Virtual that is taking place from 14th to 16th September.
Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings will join Rostrevor’s Bradfor Ltd to exhibit as part of ADS’ Digital Cabin – an online immersive 3D aircraft interiors showroom and the first of its kind, which will enable potential customers to see a selection of both companies manufactured products.
IPC Mouldings is a leading provider of injection moulded parts and engineered assemblies, whilst Bradfor Ltd is a specialist in the manufacture of products including dress covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery. Both companies supply to many global tier one companies.
Speaking about the expo, which is the leading marketplace for airlines and supply chain to meet, Bradfor Ltd’s Managing Director, Patricia Clements said, “AIX Expo is always an excellent opportunity for Bradfor Ltd to meet with our customers, build on existing relationships and develop new ones within the aircraft interiors sector. Whilst we won’t be in Hamburg for this year’s event like previous years, I have no doubt the virtual exhibition will be just as beneficial.”
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings, said, “Like many companies within the aerospace industry, we were heavily impacted by the global pandemic and had to evolve our offering to customers. Our customers see us as partners providing solutions and we see ourselves as an extension of our customers. By asking them how we could be their best supplier, we were able to align the business to that of their needs and demands, which allowed us to differentiate our offering and emerge stronger from the crisis through continuous improvement and investment.
“We can now show our current and potential customers at AIX what those changes are and how we can collaborate, and through the ADS Digital Cabin, and alongside companies like Airtek, STG Aerospace and TT Electronics, we will be able to showcase our products to our customers like previous years. We’re looking forward to the event and once again networking with others in the industry.”
The Digital Cabin is a virtual aircraft cabin space, created by ADS as a solution for businesses that were impacted by the global pandemic. It will allow aircraft interiors companies to showcase their products and services to a global audience with OEMS and airline buyers getting the opportunity to engage with the products in a new and immersive way.
Speaking about the launch of the Cabin, Omar Kadhim, ADS Head of Aerospace Business Development said, “We’re excited to finally launch this new tool for cabin and MRO buyers to explore the market. 3D web technology brings the cabin to life and allows SMEs to market themselves in a way that’s cost effective, fresh and engaging.”
ROSTREVOR based manufacturer, Bradfor Ltd has announced their achievement of the SC21 Silver Award for the fifth consecutive year.
Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) is an improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the Aerospace and Defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chains.
Specialising in the manufacture of aircraft seat covers for over 25 years’ and one of the leading suppliers in the marketplace, Bradfor Ltd began their SC21 continuous improvement journey back in 2015, achieving the Bronze Standard, before progressing to the Silver Standard in 2016.
Companies that achieve the Silver Award have successfully met 95% delivery targets and 99.5% quality targets and have also met the criteria for sustainable improvement, business, manufacturing and relationship excellence.
Speaking about the company’s impressive achievement, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, Patricia Clements, said, “We are truly delighted to have achieved the SC21 Silver Award for the fifth consecutive year. In this competitive industry, it’s so important that we continue to meet the high standards that are being set and receiving this recognition from ADS stands us in good stead for moving forward.”
Patricia continued, “I have to take a moment to thank our team here at Bradfor Ltd. After what has been a difficult year for all businesses and employees, they have continued to work extremely hard and helped us achieve this award for another year.”
This latest award for Bradfor Ltd adds to the company’s already prolific collection, which includes the Investors in People Silver award and EFQM Recognised for Excellence 5 Star.
Full Time Permanent (39 hours)
If you have experience or an interest in upholstery and design and are seeking a new challenge, then we want to talk to you! This position is a full-time permanent role and will increase your experience, knowledge and skill in a niche environment.
You will be working as part of a small team, developing patterns and designs in line with customers’ specifications.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something different and will give you the opportunity to join a team where your contribution is valued.
What You Need
Desirable
At Bradfor Ltd, teamwork is a key factor in our success and underpins everything that we do. We are all working to achieve the same goals so it’s vital that you can demonstrate that you can work well as part of a team.
Additional Information
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘Apply Now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, you can send it to our head office address below:
Bradfor Ltd
Forestbrook Mill
Forestbrook Avenue
Rostrevor
County Down
BT34 3BX
Please Note: Applications received via email or post after Monday 22nd March will not be considered
