Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster
The Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IOMAC) was formed in 2006 by the Isle of Man Government and Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce to provide a formal support structure for the Island's aerospace sector to move forward in the pursuit of worldwide recognition and world class standards.
The Cluster is involved with Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, NASA and Rolls-Royce to help deliver projects such as the A380, 787 and A400M, Joint Strike Fighter, Typhoon, plus the Astute submarine and Phoenix Mars Lander. Supported by the Isle of Man Government, Cluster members have invested in lean cellular manufacture as well as flexible manufacturing systems and research and development capability.
This complements the Cluster's existing world class capabilities in aerospace design, jig and fixture manufacture, project management and ‘stranger and alien’ packages. It has thrived because of its agile and adaptable nature.
Since inception the Cluster has achieved a great deal:
- joint purchasing agreements for all the members
- delivery of a skills and awareness programme for schools to explain the opportunities an engineering career offer
- created an innovative new aerospace apprenticeship scheme to update the Island’s training provision
- formed a strategic partnership with the North West Aerospace Alliance
- tendered for design and manufactured packages of work with global aerospace primes