Farnborough 2002 has a special significance for Gardner Aerospace (Hall 1, D12). The company has undergone a major business restructuring and its aerospace manufacturing companies have adopted the Gardner Aerospace name to reflect the co-ordinated approach now in place across the company.
Events manager Judith Parker-Sheehan says that although the past year has been difficult there is a renewed optimism within the company. "It's really exiting to be here – we've had some hard times recently and it's as though we've gone full circle – from troubled times to better times. It totally justifies the hard work that everyone has done and I'm so positive about the future."
Steve Hollis, chief executive of L Gardner Group PLC, the parent group of Gardner Aerospace, said: "We believe the name changes will increase the recognition by our customers that we are a uniquely integrated group totally focused on the needs and requirements of today's global aerospace industry.
Vision
"I became chief executive a little over six months ago and during that time we have made major changes to the way the organisation is structured and managed.
"We have a clear vision for our business and this name change is an important element of the strategy that helps deliver that vision for the benefit of customers and the company's other key stakeholders."
Farnborough 2002 is the first outing for Gardner Aerospace following the restructuring. Parker-Sheehan says this time last year she had feared the worst: "Last year people were thinking that some companies like ours might not be here now."
She says that the appointment of Simon Frost as non-executive chairman of L Gardner Group was a turning point for the company. Frost has spent 30 years within the aerospace industry – his vast experience of world-class operations in the equipment and component manufacturing sector has inspired confidence throughout the company. "People in the business know Simon," says Parker-Sheehan. "It was very reassuring when he came on board."
Source: Flight Daily News
