GKN Aerospace grows relationship with Northern Ireland aerospace cluster

GKN Aerospace has placed its first direct contract with a company based in Northern Ireland, as part of an initiative with Invest Northern Ireland (NI). Moyola Precision Engineering is to manufacture machined metal components for the advanced winglet that GKN Aerospace has designed and is supplying for Bombardier's Global 7000/8000 ultra-long range business jet.

Moyola is a well-established manufacturer of aluminium and hard metal components and today supplies a number of the major aerospace companies. Throughout contract discussions they have been supported by Invest NI - an organization with the goal of growing the NI economy by supporting businesses as they compete internationally.

Rob Soen, Senior Vice President - Supply Chain Management, GKN Aerospace adds: “We have been talking to Moyola and other companies in Northern Ireland for some months now following an event organized by the aerospace trade association 'ADS' and Invest NI. Moyola has shown real commitment, vision and energy throughout the discussions leading to this initial contract placement and we hope this relationship will grow over time. We are continuing our discussions with regional organisations, such as Invest NI, as we explore other opportunities to increase UK-based supplier involvement in our work.”

Invest NI has been working closely with the UK aerospace industry's trade association 'ADS' and the UK's Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) - which is a collaboration between industry and Government focused on tackling barriers to growth, boosting exports and increasing the number of high value jobs in the UK.

Marcus Bryson, CEO of GKN Aerospace and Land Systems and co-chair of the AGP explains: “Our goal in the AGP is to increase the level of work placed with the UK-based aerospace supply chain wherever it makes good business sense. To achieve this we are working with regional bodies across the country. Invest NI has been particularly effective in understanding the requirements of prime aerospace manufacturers and major tier one suppliers and aligning these with the capabilities of its members. We hope the success they are beginning to see with companies such as Moyola is repeated across the UK.”

Jeremy Fitch, Executive Director, Business & Sector Development, Invest NI added “Aerospace is strategically important to Northern Ireland and Invest NI is very pleased to be working with GKN Aerospace and Moyola Precision Engineering to secure new higher value added business. Invest NI is committed to exploring how Northern Ireland companies can rise to the challenges set within the Aerospace Industrial Strategy”.

Mark Semple, Managing Director, Moyola Precision Engineering stated: “We are delighted to receive our first direct order from GKN Aerospace. Building business with GKN Aerospace forms a large part of our growth strategy and we are working hard with them to develop into a key strategic supplier going forward. Some of the future opportunities with GKN Aerospace may require collaboration with other local like-minded companies and we are pleased with the support and advice from Invest NI in this endeavor.”

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive, ADS Group said: “The aerospace industry is a vital employer in Northern Ireland and contributes GBP1bn to the local economy. The work undertaken through the Aerospace Growth Partnership will ensure innovative, advanced manufacturers such as GKN Aerospace and Moyola, across the UK supply chain, can link up to deliver the best the industry has to offer and maintain the UK's position as the world's second largest aerospace manufacturer.”