Mark Atkins, Sales Account Manager at Sedgewall Communications of Dunstable was delighted to receive the company’s first NATO manufacturing order, in late November, the day before he was due to go on honeymoon.
“This order was for manufacturing cable harnesses. Relatively few companies can supply this type of organisation because it requires AS/EN9100 accreditation, which we have recently achieved. Although we do everything possible to win on both price and quality, I think examples of existing customers proved that we have the appropriate capability. These included the paging and radio manufacturing and maintenance services we provide the MoD,” explained Mark.
AS/EN9100 is designed to ensure high standards throughout supply chains. Simon Green, Managing Director of Sedgewall explained.
“This accreditation surpasses ISO9001 and has taken three years to attain. In personally knowing each member of our team, I have first-hand knowledge of their determination to achieve these standards. Together they remain ahead of other manufacturers by being one of the first to apply for an SC21 (Supply Chain for 21st Century) accreditation. Mark is a fantastic example of the team’s dedication, he came into work during his annual leave to make sure we had received the contract from NATO and that we were ready to deliver.”
Exacting standards are needed by the aviation, aerospace and defence industries. ADS (Aerospace, Defence, Security) is driving this SC21 standard forward to maintain the UK’s position as the best manufacturers in the world.
“It is common knowledge that British manufacturing is now up against its giant Chinese competitors. Fortunately, precision engineering and production cannot be cost-effectively achieved in this region. Niche technological development, testing and manufacturing is where our success has come from,” concluded Simon.
