Aerospace industry boost for Carrickfergus firm

David Quin (left), Supply Chain director, B/E Aerospace (UK) Ltd, presents the bronze award to Joanne Liddle, director, Hugh Henry, engineer, and John McPherson, Operations manager, from IPC Mouldings, Carrickfergus. INCT 48-706-CON

IPC Mouldings (IPC) has been awarded Bronze in B/E Aerospace’s Supply Chain Programme in recognition of its continued development and improvements in this area.

The Kilroot-based firm supplies engineering solutions and high performance plastic components to the aircraft interiors and other industries.

Joanne Liddle, managing director of IPC Mouldings, said: “We are absolutely delighted that as a local business competing in a global market we were invited by our key customer, B/E Aerospace, to progress with the implementation and certification of the SC21 Supply Chain Excellence programme. The programme has allowed us to develop skills and capabilities, which will ensure a culture of continuous improvement within our organisation.

“To date our significant growth has come as a result of strategic partnerships and our growing reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s leading tool manufacturer and injection moulding companies.

“The SC21 Bronze Award is an industry recognised excellence model which will raise our profile as a dynamic company within the global commercial interior market, which is set to reach US$12 billion by 2016.”

SC21 is designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chain.

David Quin, Supply Chain and Logistics director, B/E Aerospace, said: “B/E Aerospace is delighted that IPC Mouldings has achieved the SC21 Bronze Award. The SC21 Programme is an integral part of our Supply Chain Management Programme, and this is the first time that we’ve encouraged our suppliers to engage in this national aerospace and defence improvement programme.

“To achieve SC21 Bronze Award is not an easy process, however IPC Mouldings has shown the right commitment and attitude, and with continued progress they should build on this prestigious award.”

SC21 is an ADS (trade organisation advancing the aerospace, defence, security and space industries) initiative, which encourages best practice.

Invest Northern Ireland plays a key role in supporting local companies participating in the programme, while the Centre for Competitiveness, based at the Northern Ireland Science Park, is the SC21 delivery partner for IPC.