Host: Peter Comerford and Michael Bolton

Guest: Gail Thomas, VP & Managing Director at TW Metals

Episode Title: Navigating Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges

Release Date: June 18th, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode, we delve into the intricate world of aerospace supply chain management with Gail Thomas, a seasoned expert with over 46 years of experience in the industry. We explore the current pain points, geopolitical impacts, and the future outlook for material procurement in aerospace.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to the Industry:
   • Gail shares their journey into the metals industry, starting at age 16, and the various roles they have held over the years, leading to their current position.
   • Discussion on the evolution of the company from its early days to becoming TW Metals.
2. Current State of the Aerospace Sector:
   • Analysis of the aerospace industry's current challenges, including material shortages and extended lead times, exacerbated by geopolitical events such as the conflict in Ukraine.
   • Impact of supply chain disruptions on production schedules, with lead times stretching from 18 weeks for stainless steel to over 80 weeks for titanium.
3. Geopolitical and Economic Influences:
   • Exploration of how geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia and potential issues with Chinese and Korean products, are affecting the aerospace supply chain.
   • Discussion on anti-dumping duties and their impact on procurement strategies and business operations.
4. Supply Chain Management Strategies:
   • Insight into how TW Metals navigates these challenges through strong partnerships and forward-booking, providing some level of protection against supply chain volatility.
   • Considerations for risk management when dealing with long lead times and uncertain geopolitical climates.
5. Technological and Market Developments:
   • Examination of new technologies, such as 3D printing, and their potential impact on the aerospace supply chain. While promising, widespread adoption in the near term is not anticipated.
   • Ongoing demand for niche products like 21-6-9 stainless steel, despite predictions of their decline.
6. Future Opportunities and Industry Trends:
   • Discussion on opportunities within the aerospace sector, particularly through acquisitions rather than startups due to high entry barriers.
   • Reflections on the importance of maintaining a controlled supply chain to manage the complexities of aerospace manufacturing

Learn more about TW Metals: Website Link
Connect with Gail Thomas on LinkedIn

SEASON THREE of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:

SteelBuy - SteelBuy are a digital platform revolutionising the way businesses trade metal products online.

TW Metals - TW Metals are a stockholder and distributor of Nickel Alloy, Aluminium, Titanium and Stainless Steel products in a range of forms including Tube, Bar, Pipe, Extrusion as well as Sheets and Plates.

Comton Group - A recruitment agency powering employment in the Metal, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors.

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