Valence Surface Technologies is the First Product Finishing Supplier to be accepted and recognized by Airbus Americas’ Prestigious Supplier Engagement Program

Airbus recognizes suppliers with the highest level of performance within the Airbus Supply Chain

WICHITA, Kan. – Valence Surface Technologies (Valence), the largest independent aerospace product finishing company, today received the prestigious Airbus Americas’ Supplier Engagement Program Award. It is the first-time Airbus has selected a product finishing supplier to participate in the program, which is reserved for highest level of performance within the Airbus supply chain.

“This award is the perfect illustration of how our business strategy has come to life and delivered a critical solution to the Airbus supply chain growth challenges over a cumulative 25-year period, having delivered over 1.5 million parts for Airbus Programs during that time,” said Tracy Glende, CEO of Valence. “We started as an Airbus supplier with just one customer, just one part-family on just one program. Today we support 76 different customers, over 1,000 part-families on every single Airbus commercial aircraft, including providing critical product finishing solutions for the industry leading A320NEO and A350 XWB programs.”

“Before Valence, there was a significant and legitimate concern about product finishing capacity in the aerospace and defense industry. To solve this significant risk, Valence has invested heavily in equipment, systems and people to solve the significant supply chain constraints facing the industry,” Glende added. “These capital investments in capacity, leading edge technology and environmentally friendly systems have improved productivity, reduce supply chain costs, shortened lead times, mitigated risk and led to greater customer value.”

“Airbus spends nearly $17 billion with over 450 U.S. aerospace suppliers annually and the Supplier Engagement Program recognizes the top North American suppliers for their outstanding performance and quality which contribute to Airbus’ success.We’re pleased to recognize Valence as the first product finisher to be included in this program,” stated Giuseppe Marcheschi, Director of Procurement, North America.

Today, Valence’s facilities in Los Angeles, California and Wichita, Kansas are a critical part of the global and comprehensive supply chain for Airbus. Valence provides a full range of product finishing services, including Nondestructive Test (NDT), Anodizing, Shot Peen, Plating, Painting, and Bond Primer to all major Airbus suppliers. Based on our full-service model, Valence provides these critical solutions across all portions of the aircraft with parts ranging from an inch in diameter to 30 feet in length, many just prior to final delivery to Airbus when time constraints are critical.

About Valence Surface Technologies

Valence Surface Technologies (Valence) is the largest independent aerospace product finishing company, with a specific focus on full-service solutions, key partnerships and critical investments that simplify the supply chain and drive productivity for our customers. With 10 Locations, 530,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, more than 2,500 unique industry approvals and delivering more than 15 Million parts per year, Valence provides product finishing services to a diversified set of fast growing commercial aerospace, defense, and space/satellite markets, delivering uncompromising quality, unmatched delivery and unparalleled performance.

About Airbus Americas

Airbus Americas is the U.S.-based operation of Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. Airbus contributes $17 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports more than 264,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers. In addition to corporate offices, engineering centers, training facilities, MROs and spare parts distribution centers, Airbus has manufacturing facilities producing commercial aircraft, helicopters and now satellites throughout the U.S.