Strengthening the Aerospace Supply Chain
The Rockford Area Aerospace Network recently held its Aerospace Networking & Symposium event. The event welcomed 140 attendees who listened to Congressman Adam Kinzinger tout the strengths of the Rockford Region’s aerospace supply chain, which includes 4 tier-one suppliers. Guests also had the opportunity to network with the 19 exhibitors, and representatives from the tier-one suppliers.
A panel presentation provided key insights into what companies need to do to become and maintain their status as a supplier for these tier-one companies. Panelists included representatives from AAR Corp., GE Aviation, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Woodward, Inc. One of the consistent comments was the documentation of processes as well as the importance of communicating when any changes have been made related to the products being produced. A suggestion for companies trying to become a supplier included being open to providing a service that other businesses refuse to provide.
Individual presentations focused on the innovation happening within the aerospace industry. Comply365 discussed the innovation that occurs due to the advancement of technology and the beneficial disruptive impact it has in the workplace. Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) presentation discussed the impact of additive manufacturing, while QuesTek examined the impact new metals are having in the aerospace industry.
Khoi Vu, site product leader at GE Aviation and RAAN Committee Chair said, “The innovation happening right here, in the Rockford Region, demonstrates why we have the sixth highest concentration of aerospace employment in the nation.”
Watch our video to learn why you should be at the next RAAN Networking & Symposium.
