AGC AeroComposites wins funding to focus on training, sustain employment, create new aerospace jobs in U.K.

FARNBOROUGH, England, 11 July 2014. AGC AeroComposites, a global supplier of composite and metallic aerostructures and components to the aerospace and defense industry, won £1.2 million ($2 million U.S.) in funding, to be distributed over the next four years, as part of the Sharing in Growth program to maintain and create aerospace jobs in the U.K.

AGC AeroComposites’ customers AgustaWestland and Rolls Royce nominated the company; the company was then able to present a business case to government representatives to be considered for, and ultimately be chosen to be part of, this focused initiative.

Created to ensure U.K.-based aerospace manufacturers remain competitive on a global scale, Sharing in Growth focuses on training. The program involves practical workshops on improving communication; conflict resolution and avoidance; process control; community efforts; and overall co-operation. The overall intent of the training is to create workflow efficiencies at each site participating in the program.

“Our U.K. sites in Derby and Yeovil are already becoming more focused, efficient and competitive as a result of the training and development afforded by our Sharing in Growth funding,” says Steve Smith, president, Europe, Middle East & Asia for AGC AeroComposites. “As we implement improved processes, we look forward to increased customer satisfaction which results in increased sales and efficiencies.”

“Sharing in Growth has created a program involving the best partners in the industry,” explains Rick Armstrong, president and CEO of AGC AeroComposites. “We’re proud to be part of a continuous improvement process and are confident it will reap benefits as the training and on-going education permeates all leadership levels across our organization. This training improves our business practices in leadership, integration, manufacturing and communications which ultimately will bolster our long-term capacity for growth.”

Steve Smith and Rick Armstrong, along with other members of the AGC AeroComposites’ leadership team from across the company, will be available July 14 - 20 at the Farnborough Air Show in Hall 1, Stand B15F. The Farnborough International Airshow is considered one of the world’s largest exhibitions and air displays, facilitating first-class business opportunities for the global aerospace industry.

For more information on Sharing in Growth, visit http://sig-uk.org.