Velocity Composites plc is marking World Standards Day on 14 October by highlighting the importance of internationally recognised quality standards in supporting aerospace manufacturing and the global supply of advanced composite materials.
The Burnley-headquartered aerospace technology specialist, which operates manufacturing and material kitting facilities in the UK and United States, holds AS9100 and AS9120 aerospace quality management certifications alongside Nadcap accreditation for its specialist composite material kitting operations.
World Standards Day, celebrated annually on 14 October, recognises the contribution of international standards to industry, trade and technological development. For aerospace manufacturers, these standards provide a common framework for quality, traceability and process control across increasingly complex international supply chains.
Earlier this year, Velocity Composites celebrated achieving Nadcap Merit status across its global manufacturing sites, reflecting its continued investment in quality management and operational performance.
The achievement included a successful audit at the company’s Tallassee facility in Alabama, where auditors recorded zero findings. Nadcap Merit status recognises suppliers with a sustained record of compliance and strong audit performance, allowing qualifying facilities to benefit from extended accreditation periods.
Sheldon Atherton of Velocity Composites said the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise the work involved in maintaining the standards expected by the aerospace industry.
“Quality is fundamental to everything we do at Velocity. Our customers manufacture some of the most technically demanding products in the world, and they depend on the consistency, accuracy and traceability of the materials entering their production processes.
“International standards give our teams a common approach across our operations in the UK and United States. They help us maintain consistent processes, share best practice and give customers confidence in the materials and services we provide.”
Velocity’s AS9100D certification covers aerospace quality management requirements, while AS9120B addresses the specialist requirements associated with aerospace material distribution and warehousing. Its Nadcap AC7118 accreditation covers composite material kitting processes, an important element of the company’s manufacturing operations.
These accreditations are particularly relevant to Velocity’s business model, which combines advanced composite material processing, digital inventory management and the delivery of precision-cut structural material kits to aerospace manufacturers.
As aircraft production rates increase, suppliers face growing requirements for material availability, production efficiency and repeatable manufacturing processes. Effective quality management helps manufacturers maintain control over materials throughout the supply chain, from initial receipt and storage through to processing and delivery.
Atherton added: “Achieving Nadcap Merit status across our global operations was an important accomplishment for our teams. It reflects the attention to detail and commitment to quality that goes into our work every day.
“World Standards Day is a chance to recognise the people behind those achievements. Our quality, engineering and production teams all contribute to maintaining the standards our customers expect, and their work is central to our continued development as an international aerospace supplier.”
With operations supporting aerospace customers on both sides of the Atlantic, Velocity continues to invest in its manufacturing systems, workforce and quality processes as it develops its role within the global advanced composites supply chain.
