Northern Ireland Supply Chain is Stronger Together and Achieving Excellence

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 6^th – 8^th 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 14^th to 16^th 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

• An exceptional level of attention to detail
• A calm, can do and flexible attitude to work plans to ensure customers’ needs are met
• A good ability to work in a busy environment and under pressure, whilst maintaining a high standard of work at all times
• Be committed to delivery on performance and be able to take instructions from more experienced colleagues
• The ability to work well as part of a team

Desirable

• Previous experience in a similar role (Not necessary as full on the job training will be provided)

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

• The hours of work are Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm, Friday 8am to 1pm (39 hours)
• A competitive salary will be provided

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

For the fourth year in a row, Bradfor Ltd, a company based in Rostrevor, which specialises in dress covers, upholstery fabrics and leather, has obtained the prestigious SC21 Silver performance level in the aerospace industry improvement programme.

Under the guidance of Managing Director, Patricia Clements, Bradfor Ltd, first established in 1996, is now one of the leading suppliers in the marketplace supplying to an array of customers around the world.

This latest award is one of a number achieved by the company over recent years. These include Investors in People Silver award and EFQM Recognised for Excellence 5 Star.

Patricia claims that accolades like the SC21 Silver award are essential as they help to encourage continued performance in the aerospace sector. “On behalf of the team at Bradfor Ltd, we are delighted with our achievement in attaining our fourth SC21 Silver award,” she said.

“We have worked hard throughout the years to become one of the leading manufacturers in the aerospace sector and this award is testament to that.”

Managed by ADS, SC21 is currently the largest supply chain improvement programme in the UK aerospace and defence sector and is designed to improve the competitiveness of the industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. To achieve the award, programme participants are expected to achieve and maintain certain criteria in terms of delivery, quality, sustainable improvement and business, manufacturing and relationship excellence.

Dr Leslie Orr, Director of ADS NI, said: “I’m delighted for Patricia [Clements] and her team at Bradfor Ltd. This company epitomises the Northern Ireland supply chain and their work ethic in manufacturing excellent products and supplying them to the OEMs. Qualifying for the SC21 Silver in four consecutive years is recognition of their tremendous record of quality, performance, lead times and delivery.

“Well done to Patricia and her team.”

“This programme has given us the toolkit to continuously improve our performance and increase the confidence of our staff across all levels and encourage them to become more involved in the decision-making process,” Patricia continued.

“It also highlights how Bradfor Ltd can make a difference. This is highlighted by our ability to pivot during the pandemic to sewing over 12,000 scrubs and gowns and providing them into the health sector. This is a very challenging time for the aerospace sector but accolades such as this reassures us that my staff are exceptionally good at what they do. The statistics and award of this SC21 Silver performance recognition is evidence to that.”

ROSTREVOR manufacturing company, Bradfor Ltd, has diversified their offering into the health sector by sewing over 12,000 scrubs and gowns since the beginning of April, which have provided PPE to organisations across Ireland in the fight against Coronavirus.

Having closed their factory in mid-March due to the pandemic, Bradfor Ltd, a leading aerospace interiors manufacturer, has made substantial changes to their factory and over the past month, has diligently and safely sewn scrubs and gowns, which are being worn in many hospitals and health care trusts. More recently, they have also donated some sets to their local health centre in Kilkeel.

Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, Patricia Clements commented, “Bradfor Ltd has been operating for nearly 25 years and with a workforce of over 100, which include numerous seamstresses, this was a very obvious step for the company to take. Working in the aerospace sector where quality, excellent lead times and high quality manufacturing is the norm, we knew where we could add value in this rapidly changing environment.

“We are very lucky in that our factory is over two floors and lends itself to social distancing. We’ve also a number of extra measures in place, from staggered start times and breaks, to added infrastructure and a one-way system to protect our employees. To date we’ve been fortunate in the number of enquiries regarding manufacturing scrubs and gowns and our highly trained seamstresses were only too delighted to assist during this pandemic.

“As a company I also wanted to be able to help those locally and we’ve just donated some gowns and scrubs to Kilkeel Health Centre. We are very much rooted in our community and if we can help, we will.”

Known for specialising in dress covers, upholstery fabrics and leather and providing seat covers, headrest covers, straps and diaphragms, along with digitising design services to a range of global clients, Bradfor Ltd has expert knowledge in materials and sewing.

Patricia Clements added, “The company has a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals and is keen to continue to assist and make scrubs and gowns. We’re also looking at making face masks which are undergoing various trials with one of our global customers. We are using a polycotton, breathable and washable material which seems to work well for many.”

Bradfor Ltd, an AS9100 accredited provider, was also awarded the prestigious SC21 Award Silver in B/E Aerospace (now Rockwell Collins) Supply Chain Programme in 2016 and for the following four years. They have also received the EFQM 5 star ‘Recognised for Excellence’.

If you need assistance with an upcoming project, contact Bradfor Ltd at sales@bradfor.co.uk.

ENDS

For more information. please contact Jackie Logan at jackie@naked-pr.com or telephone 07730 065 005.

BRADFOR Ltd, one of Northern Ireland’s leading aerospace interiors manufacturers, has once again achieved the Silver Award in the Aerospace and Defence industry improvement programme, SC21.

The Rostrevor based company, which provides products to many global clients, was sponsored through the programme by Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins); the aviation giant which combines the strengths of two of aerospace’s leading innovations, Rockwell Collins and United Technologies.

Established in 1996 as a family run business with only six employees, Bradfor has become one of the leading aerospace interiors manufacturers in the UK, specialising in dress covers, upholstery fabrics and leathers. The company invested a substantial amount of money in 2017 with an extension to their facility, as well as the addition of the very latest technology and now has 95 employees.

Dr Leslie Orr, Director ADS NI, said: “Achieving SC21 accreditation is a valuable accolade that will allow Bradfor to strengthen their relationship with their customers, as well as adding to the strength of the aerospace sector in the region. Northern Ireland is known for its strong aerospace supply base and it’s great to see an increased number of supply chain companies investing in maximising operational efficiency to progress. This is indeed great news for Bradfor.”

For 11 years Invest Northern Ireland, as a regional partner, has remained committed to the programme and continues to support local companies to progress them on their SC21 journey.  Working in partnership with ADS and the industry, Invest NI is encouraging best practice and increased competitiveness across the supply base, underpinned by a culture of continuous improvement. Thus ensuring Northern Ireland Aerospace stays ahead in an increasingly globally competitive environment.

This latest award adds to Bradfor’s already prolific portfolio of industry recognised awards which include AS9100, ISO 9001, EFQM 5 Star and Investors in People Bronze.

Bradfor will be exhibiting at the world’s leading event for aircraft interior professionals, airlines and their supply chain for cabin interiors, AIX 2019, which takes place in Hamburg from 2nd to 4th April. They will join a number of Northern Ireland suppliers on the Northern Ireland Aerospace/Invest Northern Ireland stand. IPC will be exhibiting on Stand 3UA11 in Hall B3 Upper.

Northern Ireland Supply Chain Excellence to the Forefront

Three aircraft interior manufacturing companies to visit North America and Germany

In 2018, three Northern Ireland companies delivered 3.7 million parts and assemblies to the aircraft interiors industry with 99% on-time delivery and quality

WITH Northern Ireland companies contributing £900m to the aerospace sector’s annual revenue, it’s no wonder that there are 11 manufacturing companies heading to the world’s leading event AIX 2019, for airlines and their supply chain for cabin interiors in Hamburg next month.

Three of those companies are showcasing how collaboration and performance are key to customer partnership. The companies have also been chosen as part of a Department for International Trade mission to Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins) to their Charlotte, North Carolina facility in two weeks’ time, the week before the Expo.

Between them in 2018, Rostrevor based seat cover manufacturer Bradfor Ltd, rapid response CNC machining and composite finishing company Exact Group, based in Newry and Carrickfergus plastic injection moulding company, IPC Mouldings, manufactured and delivered 3.7 million parts and assemblies. All AS9100 accredited and successful participants in the SC21 aerospace programme, each company has set the bar in the aircraft interiors market, where innovation and excellence is the norm and can boast a combined history of 54 years’ experience.

However, it is their supply chain excellence that is really on show where quality, on-time delivery and best practice is of the utmost importance.  All three report shorter lead times than the industry average, offering an agile and competitive solution to the end customer.  AIX 2019 will allow Bradfor Ltd, Exact Group and IPC Mouldings to continue building relationships, uncover new innovations and technologies, get inspired by leading experts and create opportunities, allowing them to be ahead of the curve and at the top of their business.

Patricia Clements, managing director of Bradfor Ltd, who has 30 years of experience in this industry said: “The aircraft interiors’ sector continues to evolve and change. With this comes the need to embrace new technologies to ensure that your product is the best there is. Last year, Bradfor Ltd was responsible for manufacturing nearly a third of a million products of which 55,000 were seat covers for new aeroplanes and our products were delivered to at least 10 countries worldwide.”

Stephen Cromie, managing director of Exact Group, who specialises in rapid response said: “AIX 2019 is a great opportunity to engage with new and existing customers. It allows the Exact Group to showcase their precision engineering and composite finishing techniques and its rapid response, which we excel in; from enquiry to customer receipt.

“This we’ve achieved within as little as six hours with the delivery of products to the United States in as little as 38 hours. This is no small task as it includes programming, cutting the raw material, machining the parts, carrying out FAI, and then dispatch. Our composite finishing division cosmetically finishes components to achieve the highest quality finishes within the industry and again these can be delivered in a rapid response timeline.”

Joanne Liddle, managing director, IPC Mouldings explains: “The Expo at Hamburg is a ‘must attend’ event for anyone in this sector. Collaboration and partnership is key to any customer relationship but with all three companies working in the same supply chain, it is evident that there is a core value of understanding and trust, which allows us to meet the current and future needs of our customer to ensure their product is brought to market within timescales.  Value add is expected by our industry and we partner with our customer to deliver increased competitiveness through product whole life, from design and testing through to production and aftermarket requirement.”

Staged annually in Hamburg, the Aircraft Interiors Expo, AIX 2019, is a vibrant must attend 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.

The Expo takes place from the 2nd to the 4h April and Bradfor Ltd, Exact Group and IPC Mouldings are exhibiting on the Northern Ireland Aerospace/Invest Northern Ireland’s stand as part of the wider UK offering, which can be found in Hall B3 Upper: Stand 3UA11A.

The Department for International Trade has organised a UK supplier trade mission to Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins) Charlotte, North Carolina facility later this month.