Aerospace Industry Case Studies
TRW Aerospace 
TRW Aerospace shows the application of VSM on Internal multi-product company Value Streams.
Building on the Autonomous Module layout that was created in 1999, we needed a method of improving the process flow to improve quality, increase factory margin and make on-time delivery a natural occurrence rather than an effort.
We used VSM to show us the most effective flow of work through the module and identify areas of waste around which we could run further Kaizen events to eliminate it. This tool was used to maximum effect by involving people working in the value stream, as well as support areas, with the whole process facilitated by Industry Forum. We are now successfully rolling this methodology out to the other Autonomous Modules as part of a larger Improvement Programme.
Chris Plumb, Operations General Manager.
Westland
As Westland Helicopters move into a role of maintaining the MOD fleet of helicopters it needs to demonstrate that it can hit a flying availability of 95%. Part of this programme is to improve the delivery performance of spares components from its supply base. Westland's chose GKN Aerostructures Yeovil to improve its supply chain as it had a significant arrears with spares.
Messier Dowty
For this Supply Chain we have a link to the PowerPoint presentation that summarises the full Supply Chain Group activity.
Read the Case Study in full (PDF)
Smith Aerospace
Smiths Aerospace is a leading global provider of innovative solutions to builders and operators of military and civil aircraft and engines, from fighters and transport to large civil, regional and business jets.