Supply to Bae Systems Submarines
Barrow is the where a “national endeavour” is being undertaken to deliver the “Dreadnought” Class submarines which will carry the UK’s strategic deterrent capability.
Companies which may wish to supply to Bae Systems, Barrow shipyard may have a choice of whether to consider
- supporting submarine design build test and commissioning at the shipyard
- supporting the modernisation works which are being delivered by three framework contractors ,or
- assisting with ongoing support of the 8700 employees and their day to day needs
The shipyard is supported by a network of around 1,000 suppliers located in 444 UK towns and cities and around 3-4% of the submarine supply chain is also located in Europe and USA. This supplier network delivers up to 60% of the constituent systems that make up a nuclear-powered submarine.It may be that there are significant supply chain opportunities to be won by developing links with the suppliers which are distributed nationwide.
At the shipyard 4 boats of the The “Astute” class of submarine are at various stages of build.
“Dreadnought” class submarine build is underway.
Follow on submarine design work is also taking place.
Bae Systems,Barrow in Furness
What may be needed to supply to the submarine programme?
- being local is not necessarily a differentiator per se
- however being local should allow you to offer a service advantage when bidding for work
- make timely submissions of comprehensive bids
- consider bidding as a partner in a consortium and credibly show how the collaboration partnership will work and who is responsible for what companies should be able to demonstrate sustained high performance
- engage in live meaningful continuous improvement activities
- showcase a can do approach
- offer innovation
Keeping work once you have won it
- do what yo said you would
- constantly have a precis of performance at hand
- sell yourselves and what you have achieved
- early communicate and be proactive on issues when they occur
- understand the client perspective
- always offer proactive suggestions for improvement or issue recovery
- pre advise if a delivery date is not going to be met
- if in doubt check do not make assumtptions
- demonstrate ability to constructively challenge specifications or requirements to help reduce cost or lead in tine
- use a no surprises culture
BAE SYSTEMS
Spends more than £10 billion a year with over 20,000 suppliers from across the world,
- Buy a wide range of major equipment, services, materials and components
- Require agile, reliable, innovative and high performing suppliers, who share our ethos of strong and resilient relationships at every level.
- Customers have extremely high expectations and requirements, which the supply chain need to meet.
- Are proud to work with a diverse range of companies both large and small, with increasing emphasis placed on close working partnerships and embracing collaborative thinking in reaching our goals.
When matching technological capability to customer requirements, recognise that a wealth of innovative thinking and knowledge can be found at every level of the supply chain and so want to maximise these skills and talents.
It will also outline some of the contacts associated with the company’s planned investment of over £300m in shipyard facilities modernisation.
FEDF through its partner the Keep our Future Afloat Campaign (see www.navalshipbuilding.co.uk) has unique access to a comprehensive listing of suppliers to help you find one or more routes into supplying the build or operational programmes.
Strengthening Supply Chains – November 2014 – Download PDF
You can find out more about by contacting either stuart@fedf.co.uk tel: 01229314100.
You can also visit us at The Supply Chain Growth Centre, Unit 4 Trinity Enterprise Centre Barrow
