Hyde Aero Products recently welcomed aerospace OEMs and suppliers to its facility for an SC21 Cluster Event, offering delegates a practical insight into Hyde Details' progression from SC21 Bronze to SC21 Gold and the continuous improvement culture that underpins the achievement.
Bringing together organisations at different stages of their SC21 journeys, the event was designed to demonstrate how the principles of operational excellence can be embedded across a manufacturing business and sustained over the long term.
The day began with an introduction to Hyde Aero Products before focusing on the transformation that enabled Hyde Details to achieve SC21 Gold within five years. Presentations explored the systems, behaviours and leadership approaches that have supported this progression, demonstrating how continuous improvement has become an integral part of everyday operations.
A key feature of the event was the showcase of digital performance dashboards used across Hyde Aero Products. Delegates were shown how visual management tools provide real-time visibility of performance data, helping teams make informed decisions, identify improvement opportunities and maintain alignment with business objectives.
Interactive sessions encouraged attendees to discuss the ideas observed during the visit and identify practical actions that could be applied within their own organisations. The collaborative format reflected the purpose of SC21: supporting learning, development and the sharing of best practice throughout the aerospace supply chain.
Delegates also toured the Hyde Details facility, where they saw first-hand how the principles that support SC21 Gold are translated into day-to-day operations. The shop floor visit highlighted the role of employee engagement, ownership, visual management and structured continuous improvement activities in driving operational performance.
Throughout the day, several key themes emerged, including digital visual management, data-driven decision-making, investment in people and technology and the importance of creating a culture where continuous improvement is everyone's responsibility.
Feedback from attendees reflected these themes, with one delegate commenting:
"A highly engaged operation with strong visual management, effective use of technology, investment in people, and a culture that promotes ownership, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making."
By opening its doors and sharing its experiences, Hyde Details provided attendees with a practical example of what SC21 Gold looks like in action. The event reinforced the value of collaboration across the aerospace supply chain and demonstrated how a sustained commitment to people, processes and performance can deliver long-term improvement.