Aiming High in Aerospace Manufacture

By Editor 14-Jun-2018

News

The government’s plan to set up a defence corridor in Tamil Nadu will give a tremendous boost to the state’s manufacturing prospects in defence and aerospace. It will open an array of opportunities to AEPL for developing new products, assemblies and will give us a chance to become more active in contributing to the indigenization drive in defence and aerospace domains. We are planning to expand our infrastructure facilities to promote the manufacture. This includes the setting up of a Dust Free Moulding Shop and the expansion of our machining facility. A new facility is being set up at Hosur to take up Integration of Aircraft related assemblies and sub-assemblies. Another important target we wish to achieve in the coming years is the ZED platinum rating for AEPL, says R Sundaram, CEO, Aerospace Engineers Pvt. Ltd. (AEPL), a Salem-based manufacturer of aerospace parts. He speaks with Aeromag about AEPL’s business and expansion plans in the years ahead.

1. Could you talk about some of the major achievements of Aerospace Engineers recently? What are the operational highlights?

 Aerospace Engineers is one of the leading aerospace parts manufacturers certified with the prestigious AS 9100C. We offer Design, Development, Precision Manufacturing, Assembly, Certification, Supply and Integration of Systems Implementation of projects. There are a lot of remarkable achievements of the company recently.

AEPL has been awarded ZED (Zero defect Zero effect) Gold rating by MSME, Government of India.  We are proud to be the first company to achieve Gold rating in South India. Recently, UTC Aerospace Systems, USA has certified AEPLs Quality Clinic system.  Now AEPL is on the process of achieving Supplier Gold rating. Also, our special process facility has been approved by DGCA & ISRO.

2. Could you elaborate on the range of products and services you offer? What are the new initiatives of Aerospace Engineers?

AEPL offers a wide range of products in aerospace sector. Presently AEPL is in the manufacturing of precision Metallic & Non-Metallic (Rubber & composite) components.  A new facility is being set up at Hosur to take up Integration of Aircraft related assemblies, sub-assemblies and to have an exclusive refined and perfect Design and Development to meet the requirements of local and overseas vital customers of Aeronautical components in and around Bangalore.  We are also working towards NABL & NADCAP certification.

3. The government is creating a new defence corridor in Tamil Nadu and pushing for more participation by private players in defence and aerospace manufacturing. With regard to this, what prospects do you see for Aerospace Engineers?

The government’s plan to set up a defence corridor in Tamil Nadu will give a tremendous boost to the state’s manufacturing prospects in defence and aerospace. It will open an array of opportunities to AEPL for developing new products, assemblies and even Aircraft build up can be planned. It will give us a chance to become more active in contributing to the indigenization drive in defence and aerospace domains. The corridor will leave way for employments to the youngsters at Salem.

4. Could you shed some light onto your collaborations with Aerospace and Defence PSUs and the work being done for them?

Even since its inception, Aerospace Engineers has been working in collaboration with several PSUs. AEPL has bought technology from ISRO & DRDO for the development of CFF Hose Assembly and Rocasin technology. All types of components are being developed and supplied to Aerospace & Defence PSUs, like HAL, BEL, BEML, etc.  We are also a supplier to the Missile complex. AEPL is also working on expanding its collaborations with defence PSUs. We are planning to enter major assembly jobs.

5.  Could you give us an overview of your export business and the objectives to be achieved in this regard?

AEPL gives significance to exporting our products to the global market. Presently we have 30% of export business for major Aircraft engine manufacturers around the world and are planning to increase the export content in the coming years.

6. Could you share your vision and priorities for Aerospace Engineers? What are the expansion plans?

AEPL’s vision is to be an innovative and professional aero component manufacturer for the global aero industry. We are striving to fulfil our vision by manufacturing high-quality products for the aerospace sector. We are planning to expand our infrastructure facilities to promote the manufacture. This includes the setting up of a Dust Free Moulding Shop and the expansion of our machining facility. Another important target we wish to achieve in the coming years is the ZED platinum rating for AEPL.