Female-led aerospace sewing firm is expanding
BBCA small female-led family firm has said it is "surreal" to have grown into industry leaders in sewing work for commercial and defence aircraft.
Since its inception in 2018, textiles firm Needles and Pins Aerospace has specialised in high precision needlework for applications such as the linings of Chinook helicopters.
The company in Somerton, Somerset, is now expanding its team of 16 by hiring four more staff. It also opened a new, larger production facility earlier in July.
Chief executive Carole Champion said she started the company using a credit card in 2018 and never looked back after developing relationships with business giants Leonardo and Boeing.
"We started off with literally two women and a couple of old sewing machines," Ms Champion said.
"It feels surreal knowing how much we've grown. We've made amazing steps into the aviation industry from such small, humble beginnings.
"It's definitely a male-orientated industry, but that is changing and I think you really have to believe in your team, be it male or female," she added.
Ms Champion said while industrial sewing is not the most attractive job, there is "creativity" in it.
Managing director of Boeing Defence UK, Steve Burnell, said partnering with small organisations was part of the company's ethos.
"They make us a product that fits out the cabin and makes it quieter and more comfortable," he said.
"If you look at the South West alone, we have well over 90 suppliers and partners and half of those are smaller enterprises.
"You can't grow unless you are bringing early-career people into the industry and giving them the skills they need to grow."
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