Following a recent and detailed assessment of the business, Bell Helicopter has awarded GKN Aerospace in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK, the coveted ‘Premier Supplier’ rating. Bell Helicopter has only awarded this to approximately 10% of its suppliers and GKN Aerospace is the first ever UK-based supplier to receive the award.

This accolade recognises the dedication and outstanding performance of the GKN Aerospace team who work on the complex transmission torque meters for the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. GKN Aerospace has been working with Bell since the mid 90’s and jointly designed, developed and tested these torque meters, which provide critical data to the pilot on the loads and torque pressures being applied to the V-22’s gearbox and transmission system. The Company is now delivering approximately 100 kits a year to fulfill a multi-year contract.

The Bell Helicopter assessment, which covers every aspect of the business from process control through to human resources and logistics, afforded the GKN Aerospace operation an impressive 97% overall score. This exceeded by 10% the 87% score required to achieve Premier Supplier rating. In addition the GKN Aerospace team constantly achieves a 99% monthly delivery and quality rating.

Jeff Armitage, Vice President and Managing Director Nacelles at GKN Aerospace, Cowes comments: “At every level, this team has been totally dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customer. They, and in particular the Customer Support General Manager, Paul Young and Electrical Team Leader, John Smythers should be truly proud of this achievement. Across the company globally we work hard to deliver best practice every day in our customer service and support. These awards are particularly precious as they recognise when we are really getting it right.”