Aerospace Manufacturing Trends: Insight from CEO Sue Englander

As the aerospace and defense industry marches onward towards the future, the current focus seems to be transforming supply chains into dynamic and resilient networks. In our industry specifically, there are multiple tiers of suppliers all working in tandem to provide integral services and components. Not only has our market remained stable, but innovations and recent trends seem to indicate an exciting future as well. To get a glimpse into EEI’s role in trending defense manufacturing, continue to read to find insight from CEO Sue Englander.

Q: Is EEI utilizing any disruptive manufacturing processes? If so, what are they?

A: The most potentially disruptive aspect for us to manage has been to protect our supply chain and modify the old model of minimizing costs and reducing vulnerabilities. To reduce vulnerabilities, we’ve had to – at least for the short term – understand the demand impact specific to our business:

• Understand short-term demand-supply management strategy.
• Be prepared for possible second sourcing supplier where possible.
• Increase allocated inventory available to promise capability and pull in inventory wherever possible to avoid interruptions in production.
• Elevate open communications with key customers to discuss real-time inventory challenges and future potential interruptions.

The world demands resiliency and aerospace companies are adapting, as necessary. Since the supply chain is comprised of multiple tiers, it is crucial for each supplier to reduce vulnerabilities and prepare for anything. EEI is equipped to negate any interruptions in production and deliver.

Q: During your tenure as CEO of EEI, what kinds of manufacturing trends have you seen that now define modern aerospace manufacturing?

A: One of the biggest changes as a contract manufacturer is the shift from in-sourcing to outsourcing. It tends to be somewhat cyclical, but of late the trend to outsource has grown and it appears it will remain for the near future. Our customers are utilizing outsourcing to better focus on the core aspects of their business.

Besides allowing manufacturers to cut operating costs, outsourcing is also proven to improve the overall quality of products and services and enhance their expertise across a range of competencies. By 2025, the outsourcing market size is anticipated to reach a staggering $188.24 billion. Given this direction, it certainly appears that outsourcing is here to stay.

Q: Do you foresee any new major manufacturing trends happening in the aerospace industry?

A: I see the emphasis on the continuation of bringing DoD manufacturing back into the US. I also foresee the importance on protecting the workforce, better managing risks, and driving productivity as the motivating force ensuring continuing operations with less disruption.

According to a 2020 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the United States ranks first in aerospace attractiveness – and EEI expects defense manufacturing to continue to grow. Improvements to supply chain management will likely lead to more efficient manufacturing and higher quality of products on the market.

At EEI Manufacturing, our mission is to build enduring relationships with every single one of our customers through our unparalleled work, credibility, and value of our services. We work to streamline our advanced manufacturing processes in order to remain agile and reliable as we support the defense and security of our country. To learn more about our broad range of engineering and manufacturing services, visit our website or give us a call – we tailor solutions to every unique project that we work on.