The new presence for A|D|S will deliver a programme tailored to identify opportunities aimed at further developing Northern Ireland (NI) aerospace, defence and security companies to reach their full potential, increasing market share and raising awareness of NI manufacturing capability and technological achievements internationally.
The office, kindly hosted by Bombardier in Belfast, will bring together leaders from the major global aerospace, defence, and security companies with a Northern Ireland presence, along with successful indigenous companies and academia to collectively decide policy and give direction to the A|D|S NI team. This team is led by Ian Watson, director, A|D|S Northern Ireland and Scotland, chaired by David Beatty of Thales UK and managed by Dr Leslie Orr. Ian and Leslie will tour Northern Irish aerospace firms during the week commencing 26 July.
Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S, said: “I am delighted to formally announce the launch of our Northern Ireland office. The underlying reason for this strength is the diversity of its supply chain from the largest to the smallest companies and Northern Ireland is a perfect illustration of this. There are a great number of opportunities for businesses to enter the supply chain in Northern Ireland as well as for businesses based there who wish to access A|D|S services to boost their own exposure to UK and international trading opportunities.”
Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said: “The launch of A|D|S Northern Ireland office is recognition of the importance of this sector to both the Northern Ireland and wider UK economies. Through A|D|S, Northern Ireland member companies of all sizes will be able to access valuable resources to improve their capabilities, supply chain opportunities and new export based growth. This new office and the goals of A|D|S fit with Invest NI's aerospace strategy of encouraging Northern Ireland based companies to seek higher value added opportunities within the global aerospace sector.”
Michael Ryan, vice-president and general manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: “As a key part of the long and innovative aerospace tradition in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be able to support the establishment of this new A|D|S office. We welcome the opportunity for greater collaboration and cohesion amongst the aerospace companies in Northern Ireland that the new office will help facilitate, as well as the opportunity to further develop the capabilities and skills within this sector.”
The founding of A|D|S Northern Ireland and the launch of the Belfast office is the culmination of over twelve months' work between A|D|S, the local industry, Invest Northern Ireland and other stakeholders to determine how best to add value to the aerospace, defence and security sectors within Northern Ireland.
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