Specialist trade and membership body for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, ADS Northern Ireland (ADS(NI)), has commended The Exact Group, a precision engineering and composite finishing company in Newry.

The recognition for the Newry business came during a recent visit following the company’s latest accolade of the silver recognition in the Aerospace Supply Chain Programme, SC21 and to note their recent investment in machining centres and growth plans.

During the visit, ADS NI received a detailed brief on The Exact Group’s work over the last twelve months and a tour of the facility.

ADS NI also observed their new Haas turning centre and their two new HAAS 5 axis Universal Machining Centre (UMC) in action, which the company only took delivery of in the last month.

Dr Leslie Orr, Director of ADS NI, said, “It was great to visit with the team at Exact and hear their journey to silver recognition in the SC21 Programme.

Newry business sustains 99% on performance and delivery of rapid response orders.

“What was of interest was that they achieved a sustained 99% on performance and delivery on their rapid response orders, which is an extraordinary achievement.

“Rapid response has so many variables that it can be difficult to ensure those performance levels.

“They have demonstrated the agility that customers want,” she insisted.

“This company has also continued to invest in the last six months, managing to buck the trend in these extremely challenging times for the industry.

“In Northern Ireland, we are a powerhouse of advance engineering companies.

“But with these severe challenges facing the aviation and aerospace sectors, as a result of this pandemic, it was quite wonderful to see how well The Exact Group has not just coped but grown during these last six or seven months.

“First and foremost, they have had orders which they have continued to deliver to their customers, but they have also put in an awful lot of work to achieve silver in this programme.”

Dr Orr continued, “The Exact Group has also obtained additional ISO accreditation in the medical sector allowing them to design and engineer a standalone sanitising unit and work in the medical sector.

Newry business has “achieved great things.”

“Stephen [Cromie] and his team have achieved great things, and I continue to wish them and, indeed, every other company operating in this sector every success and, of course, my and my team’s support,” she added.

The Exact Group is renowned for its innovation, performance, ability to deliver and coupled with their engineering prowess and cutting-edge equipment and techniques; the company has continued to operate at good levels throughout the pandemic.

Managing Director of Exact Group, Stephen Cromie, said, “It certainly is a challenging time for the industry, and there are many unknowns.

“But I don’t believe my team, or I am doing anything different to many of my colleagues in this industry.

“The Exact Group will continue to engage and deliver results for our customers; we will continue to innovate, and we will continue to make this business even better than it is today.

“We would like to thank Leslie Orr and Robert Hutchinson from ADS (NI) for their time and support – it is very much valued,” Stephen added.

Quality Blue, a consultancy firm which drives processes to achieve both performance and business growth were instrumental in assisting The Exact Group on their SC21 journey.

“Proud to be a strategic partner.”

Dr Adrian Gundy said, “I was very proud to be a strategic partner and be able to offer full support and delivery of the SC21 Programme with Exact.

“The company has achieved an exceptional award, and it is testament to Stephen Cromie, Richard Hughes and Dermot Kelly that they, on their first look at this programme, achieved Silver, skipping the Bronze recognition.

He added, “The fact that they continue to grow and invest during these times is nothing short of bold and courageous. Well done.”

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