Agile manufacturing in the aerospace industry: an industrial viewpoint

Abstract

Considers how far the aerospace industry has travelled on the long journey towards lean and agile manufacturing. Starts by comparing the industry with a well‐established model of a lean and in some cases agile manufacturing system already well established in the automotive manufacturing industry. Makes some attempts to overcome the difference in output volume of the two industries. Asks whether lean manufacturing can be applied to the aerospace industry. Draws on observations made both by academics and during visits to aerospace supply companies. Evidence is put forward as to deployment of lean practices in the industry and why lean manufacturing must be deployed throughout the industry. Focuses on the tentative steps towards the first phases of agile manufacturing, through Lean production, in an industry that produces a high technology leading‐edge product using outdated manufacturing systems.

Citation

Phillips, M. (1999), "Agile manufacturing in the aerospace industry: an industrial viewpoint", International Journal of Agile Management Systems, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 17-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/14654659910266673