Boeing [BA] is the first to sign on to a new policy encouraging overseas-based companies to make a firm, long-term commitment to continue business activities in the United Kingdom, the U.K. Ministry of Defense (MoD) recently said.
Boeing has always been committed to establishing and focusing on relationships and partnerships as it continues to grow internationally, a company spokesman told Defense Daily. The company’s goal is to continue building long-term relationships that are mutually beneficial to the company and the countries involved that goes beyond the sale of a platform. Boeing continues to evaluate opportunities with global partners to ensure mutually beneficial opportunities and relationships advance.
Following the publication of a U.K. Ministry of Defense White Paper, “National Security Through Technology,” overseas-based suppliers have been encouraged to invest in Britain’s defense and security sector through the launch of a new Defense and Security Industrial Engagement Policy (DSIEP)–launched by Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff.
“The Ministry of Defense is delighted that Boeing will continue to invest in the U.K.’s defense and security sectors and provide supply chain opportunities for U.K. companies, particularly SMEs,” Luff said. “Boeing’s commitment demonstrates the competitiveness of U.K. industry and we look forward to continuing and extending our relationship with this world class company.”
Boeing, a major MoD supplier, for example, provides the C-17 strategic transport aircraft and the Apache and Chinook helicopters.
The Managing Director of Boeing Defense UK, Mike Kurth, said: “The previous Industrial Participation opportunity associated with the supply of these platforms was a significant factor in our commitment to increase our U.K. defense footprint that now employs more than 800 people. This brings significant defense capability onshore for helicopter maintenance and modification, logistics transformation, training and advanced modeling and simulation to mention just four.”
That’s only part of the story, he said. “…our focus on the U.K. supply chain means Boeing also spends around $1 billion each year with 250 suppliers that have become an invaluable part of the Boeing supply chain.”
Boeing works within each country’s laws and requirements to craft an industrial participation plan benefiting all parties, by tailoring programs to address the customer’s goals and objectives, the spokesman said. Boeing adapts and tailors its programs as the global economy shifts, customers change and needs and expectations evolve. The company also can work with industrial partners to help them improve and expand into areas they have identified.
To date, Boeing has 69 active industrial programs worth more than $27 billion in 23 countries, representing more than 15 Boeing products, the spokesman said.