The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] this week launched an industrial-cooperation project to assist Multicut, a high-end machining firm based in Vildbjerg, as it pursues AS/EN 9100 certification. This project supports the Boeing industrial-cooperation program that is tied to Denmark's New Combat Aircraft competition. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter is a finalist in the contest.

The project began with a Boeing Supplier Quality expert training Multicut employees on the quality management system (QMS) requirements used across the aerospace industry. Over the coming months, the Boeing expert and a third-party QMS specialist also will assess Multicut's overall operations in preparation for its AS/EN 9100 certification audit later this year, and provide any necessary follow-up guidance.

"As a company with a clear goal to expand into the global aerospace market and preserve jobs for Danish industry workers, it is invaluable for us to tap into Boeing's quality management system expertise," said Frank Dühring, Business Development manager for Multicut. "The training and assessments will help us gain AS/EN 9100 certification, which is a 'must have' for winning subcontracts from the main players in the aerospace industry."

AS/EN 9100 is based on ISO 9001 standards, with additional specific requirements for aerospace manufacturing. Most major aerospace manufacturers, and their suppliers, require AS/EN 9100 compliance. In adopting this standard, Multicut also expects to benefit from quality improvements and cost reductions.

"In just over a decade, Multicut and its metalworkers have distinguished themselves in the machining industry," said Rick Cisiewski, senior manager of Boeing Industrial Participation in Denmark. "The training and assessments Boeing is offering support Multicut's plans to grow into the aerospace industry. This workshop is part of a broader Boeing program to position Danish industry for high-technology manufacturing jobs and demonstrates Boeing's commitment to working with Danish companies of all sizes."

Today, Boeing also is hosting an AS/EN 9100 quality management seminar at Unimerco's manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark. More than 40 Danish firms are expected to participate in the conference, which Boeing is offering in conjunction with CenSec, the Danish Defense and Security Industrial Cluster; FAD, the Defense and Aerospace Industries Association in Denmark; and DECA, the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority under the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs.