Banelec Operations Director Jennie Banner has welcomed the opportunities for British engineering businesses within the aerospace industry following the company’s first Midlands Aerospace Alliance Annual Dinner as a new member of the organisation. The black-tie event brought together representatives from across the aerospace supply chain, providing an opportunity for manufacturers, engineering specialists and industry leaders to strengthen relationships and discuss the sector’s future.
For Banelec, which specialises in electrical control systems, automation integration and engineering maintenance, membership of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) represents a further opportunity to develop relationships within one of the UK’s most technically demanding manufacturing industries. Jennie Banner, Operations Director at Banelec, said the evening offered a valuable introduction to the organisation and the businesses it represents.
“It was a pleasure to attend our first Midlands Aerospace Alliance Annual Dinner, particularly as new members. There was a real sense of enthusiasm in the room, and it was encouraging to spend time with so many businesses involved in aerospace manufacturing and engineering.
“The Midlands has an extraordinary depth of engineering expertise, and the evening was a reminder of just how much capability exists across the regional supply chain. We’re delighted to be part of that community.”
Banelec’s experience in industrial electrical engineering and automation provides a foundation for supporting manufacturers operating in sectors where equipment reliability, process control and production efficiency are particularly important. Across aerospace, increasing aircraft production requirements, investment in advanced manufacturing and the development of new technologies are creating opportunities for engineering specialists throughout the supply chain.
Banner believes that businesses offering practical manufacturing expertise have an important contribution to make as the industry develops.
“Aerospace is a fascinating sector because of the engineering standards involved and the continual drive to improve manufacturing processes. As production requirements evolve, there’s considerable scope for businesses with expertise in automation and electrical control systems to contribute. “At Banelec, we’re interested in how our engineering capabilities can support manufacturers with their production equipment, whether that’s through new control systems, machinery upgrades or ongoing engineering support.”
The Midlands Aerospace Alliance plays an established role in connecting aerospace businesses across the region, encouraging collaboration and supporting the development of a competitive industrial supply chain. For Banelec, joining the organisation provides access to a network of companies with shared interests in engineering excellence, manufacturing investment and technological development.
Jennie added that the dinner had reinforced the value of developing relationships across the wider industry.
“One of the things that stood out was the willingness of people to share their experiences and discuss the opportunities ahead. These conversations are incredibly useful, particularly when you’re looking to understand the requirements of a sector and where your own expertise can add value. “We’re looking forward to becoming more involved with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, getting to know fellow members and exploring opportunities to work together.”
With the aerospace industry continuing to invest in manufacturing capacity and advanced production technologies, Banner sees considerable potential for the region’s established engineering businesses.
“The Midlands has a proud aerospace heritage and a strong future ahead of it. There are some outstanding manufacturers and engineering companies here, and it’s exciting to see the ambition across the sector. “For Banelec, joining the MAA is an opportunity to build new relationships, learn from others and contribute our own experience in industrial automation and electrical engineering. We’re very much looking forward to what comes next.”