Global Fastener News

Ontario Aerospace Cos. Unveil Strategy

Jason Sandefur

The Aerospace Action Partnership, based in Ontario, Canada, unveiled a 10-year plan to boost business in the region. The plan calls for tripling aircraft assembly, doubling sub-system assembly contracts and tripling the number of lower-tier parts firms by 2015. To achieve these goals, members are urged to share resources to target market needs, promote Ontario to the rest of the world, and re-train workers to keep abreast of the industry’s ever-changing technology, the Toronto Star reports.
Observers noted that trying to unify an industry with increasing tension between manufacturers and suppliers could prove challenging.
“We truly are the ones who are being asked to provide additional design for manufacturing, taking drawings that are only partly completed and bidding on work that way,” said Barry Wood, president of fastener maker CFN Precision.
Wood, whose company makes nuts, pins and scores of some of the smallest parts for the landing gear of the Airbus A380, is skeptical such a “partnership” can truly work. He said aerospace companies in Ontario are “fiercely competitive” and unlikely to strategize together.
“They’re just going to be far more guarded about what they’re going to do. [The plan] is going to be more talk than action. It’s well intended, I’m sure.” �2005 FastenerNews.com