May 27, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Buchans manufacturer receives Boeing's highest quality rating

A company in rural Newfoundland has received recognition from the world's biggest aerospace company. Steelcor Industries Inc. of Buchans has been certified by Boeing Aircraft of Seattle as meeting the airplane manufacturer's highest quality standards.

"It means that we can manufacture parts for any Boeing aircraft for delivery straight to the aircraft assembly plant," says Steelcor President Sean Power. "Most parts are delivered to another company for approval and inspection before being delivered to Boeing."

Mr. Power says only one other company in Atlantic Canada has received this certification and only two in Quebec, one being aircraft maker Canadair. He added that some 45 companies in Ontario are currently trying to receive similar certification.

"This is an outstanding example of how small-scale manufacturing can be successfully pursued in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," says Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. "My department and the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology have assisted and followed Steelcor's progress with keen interest. This will strengthen the company and position it to grow and create new job opportunities in Buchans."

Steelcor was formed in 1989 after the mine closure in Buchans to pursue aerospace manufacturing contracts. Since then it has produced parts for Martin Lockheed in the US, General Motors in Ontario, Shorts Missile Systems in Belfast, as well as Computing Devices of Canada in Ottawa.

"In technical terms this certification is superior to ISO 9002," says Mr. Power. He adds that while Steelcor is already making parts for Boeing 767s, he believes that this new certification will assist the company's marketing efforts in securing new contracts with Boeing and other aerospace companies.

Steelcor machines aluminum and steel parts using computer-controlled lathes and milling machines. It has a staff of 14 and Mr. Power believes it is the smallest company ever to receive Boeing's coveted quality certification.

Contact: Clifford Grinling, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-7066

              John Doody, Department of Industry, Trade, and Technology, (709) 729-0050

1998 05 27                    10:20 a.m.