The philosophy of aerospace manufacturing and design has changed over the past 10 years, driven by the need to reduce cost and get products to market faster. Recognising this shift, the supply chain in Scotland is adapting its business focus to concentrate on higher value specialist manufacture and value-adding services.
Aerospace manufacturing and design in Scotland
Aerospace and defence manufacture and design accounted for around £618 million in sales in 2005. This figure is predicted to grow in coming years, as the sector in Scotland continues to adapt to changes in the industry worldwide.
The Scottish aerospace manufacturing and design sector benefits from a skilled workforce, supportive political administration and world-class academic sector.
Scottish aerospace manufacture and design strengths
Recognised value-add services are being developed in Scotland, and productivity improvements are helping to substantially reduce costs. Key industry strengths in aerospace manufacturing include:
- Mechanics.
- Hydraulics.
- Electrics.
- Aerostructures.
Proven principles, innovation, capability and expertise are demonstrated in a number of fields, including:
- Fixed leading edge wing assembly.
- Microwave and RF components.
- Aero engine components and assembly.
- Flexible circuits.
- Rotary wing hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Systems integration.
- Fuel components.
Advantages of Aerospace manufacturing and design in Scotland
Scotland’s success in the aerospace industry cannot be attributed to a single factor but is rather due to a combination of several benefits that Scotland can offer.
- Physical infrastructure, geographical position and the maturity of the supply chain all contribute to our success.
- Companies investing in Scotland can take advantage of a skilled workforce and the country’s justifiable reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.
- A recent analysis identified no significant skills gaps in the aerospace manufacturing and design sector in Scotland.
- There are currently 500 apprentices in training within the aerospace and defence sector in Scotland.
- Scotland has a highly respected education system that produces thousands of high-quality engineering and design students each year.
Contact us to discover the full range of services we offer to the aerospace manufacturing and design sector, and to all other aerospace industries in Scotland