Diehl Aviation is broadening its sourcing and supplier-cooperation strategy to strengthen supply-chain resilience as Airbus, Embraer and other aircraft manufacturers raise production rates. The Laupheim, Germany-based Tier 1 supplier is introducing multiple sources for selected critical components and common standards to protect delivery performance, quality and competitiveness across its aircraft-interiors and systems business.
The measures were outlined after Diehl hosted more than 100 strategic suppliers at its annual Supplier Day. Cooperation is being expanded through the T.R.U.S.T. initiative, which is designed to identify risks and improvement opportunities earlier, secure critical capacity and materials, and improve delivery performance. Diehl also aims to increase transparency and predictability throughout its industrial network.
The initiative addresses continuing disruption from component bottlenecks, geopolitical tensions and logistics constraints. It comes as Airbus works to increase output and Embraer ramps up its E2 programme. Diehl supplies lavatories, overhead bins, cabin linings, LED lighting, water systems, ducting and air-management systems to aircraft manufacturers including Airbus and Embraer.
Chief executive Jörg Schuler said the supply chain must scale with customer requirements while maintaining reliability, quality and competitiveness. Diehl recognised six suppliers for performance and cooperation: St. Elisabeth-Stiftung, Robert Hofmann, Pantel Elektronik, KOWE CNC, Argosy International and Silnova.