The manufacturing ethos is small scale and bespoke services typically offering
in the region of a dozen to fifty of most of the projects we undertake.
Some we are able to manufacture more of in parallel, a few a lot less. So we actively work
with UK MoD to determine on those programmes as the technology readiness level is matured the most credible way forward. This
may be to sub-license manufacturing to a mutually agreeable third party or prime or it may be the transfer and sale of
the IP to third party.
Clearly we work with the customer procurement teams (DE&S) to ensure the best interests of National Security and UK
MoD are upheld. If DEFCON 703 work is transferred without discussion we will offer support and assistance on sensible
commercial terms to ensure the innovation is taken forward and that maximum leverage can be achieved from the IP for
the benefit of UK MoD.
Manufacturing processes are defined in our Quality Management System and range from aviation/military standards for cable
assembly manufacture right through to complex special surveillance complete systems such as our manpack ESM system. Each part,
sub-assembly and assembly has a part number, revision number, item history, certificate of conformity and has the traceability
through our ESD protected stores, assembly, integration, testing and shipping teams. Similarly any data and software
loads are likewise very carefully configuration managed and traced to ensure both quality and repeatability.
Our Support and ILS teams
are appropriately involved in the manufacturing phases to ensure that they are well versed in the construction of
every product (cognisant of approvals and need to know). They are able to have direct input into averting in-service
problems and are able to change the manufacturing processes to mitigate 'seen' problems to drive up
quality and reliability.
We take quality very seriously and as such we have a roling audit programme. A selection
of our most recent audits have been:-
ESD Calibration & Workvbench Testing
Aug-2009
Stores DB upgrade and Audit Oct-2009
COSHH Audit
Nov-2009
Electrical Safety & Earth Loop Testing Nov-2009
RF Safety
Audit [LAB] Jan-2010
Full Site Document Security Audit Mar-2010
Asset Audit and Verification
May-2010
PAT Electrical Safety Testing
Jun-2010
