An investigation into the application of agile manufacturing in an aerospace company

To compete effectively in the global marketplace of the twenty-first century, manufacturing companies are trying to maintain a high level of flexibility and responsiveness to achieve agility and to remain competitive. A limited number of research papers have discussed agility in manufacturing organizations. This paper presents a case study conducted on agile manufacturing in the GEC-Marconi Aerospace (GECMAe) company. GECMAe manufactures pumping systems, pneumatic systems, electro-mechanical actuators and sub-systems, and fuel handling and metering equipment for ground applications and for bulk fuel distribution. The study provides the reader with an insight into the company and its agility level. An agility audit questionnaire is used for assessing the agility level of the company. GECMAe's agile manufacturing experience is reported, including a list of recommendations for improving its competitiveness. In addition, a framework has been formulated to highlight some important areas and to offer solution alternatives not only to the current problems but also to the ones that may be encountered in the future.