World Quality Week 2023

Posted on November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by nickyyeoman

It is World Quality Week, with the main theme Quality: realising your competitive potential.

We asked our Quality Lead, Peter McIndoe in Australia what successful quality initiatives and improvements we have made in the organization over the last few years:

“I think of Quality as a fundamental aspect of the entire organisation, not just a separate department. Our Quality principles are integrated into all processes within the Supacat group. The true strength of our quality assurance is from years of cross-functional collaboration. Different teams working together to build a system that documents how we manage risks, ensures that the decisions we make are based on data and that we continuously improve, all while adapting to the inevitable changes in our business environment.

Our successes (and our failures) have resulted in the continuous evolution of our business systems (Quality). It’s the tools we take for granted that keep us on the path. Tools like Project Reviews that standardised the way we manage our projects. It’s a tool that anyone, whether they a have been with the company for 10 years or 10 days can follow. Tools such as this, show us what we must do, how we are tracking to the original plan, what risks we face and whether we need to change course. The examples are endless and part of everyday activities, but we probably don’t think of them as “Quality”.

Each department has similar tools that standardise how we do engineering release, how we control the finances of the company, how we interact with our suppliers and customers. Also, how we adapt and improve after setbacks, how we manage the flow of products and services through our workshops.

If I was to give a specific example, I would use the NSOC communications upgrade that we implemented into our fleet our vehicles in 2022. Think of all the aspects of the business that were required for this project to be a success. We collaborated with our customer and came up with a clear understanding of what we wanted to achieve. We defined that requirement in a clear statement of work and we distilled that statement of work into clear work instructions. We communicated when this task needed to be completed and documented how to verify that the product was fit for use. We worked out what resources were needed and procured the materials to complete the task and worked out a budget, then monitored the progress. Along the way we adapted to the challenges and unforeseen problems that occurred.

Consider how many aspects of the business collaborated to make that happen. The proof of the success is that we carried out this major upgrade to the HMT fleet at three separate locations with different teams of people. How you ask? The standard business tools that we use every day. The same tools we apply to any task that we do, whoever the customer may be.

If we take anything away from Quality Week it should be, there isn’t some department in Supacat that does all this work. Quality is the contribution made by each and every employee within the organisation”.

Sponsors of the British Army Football team

Posted on October 24, 2023October 24, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Supacat sponsored the British Army football team, both Men and Women’s teams, during the National tournament hosted by the Australian Defence Football Federation.

Nick Ames, CEO stated: “It has been a privilege to support the British Army Football Association teams on their tour of Australia and participate in the Australian Defence Force Football Federation National Championships. Some outstanding football has been played, all in good spirit, further strengthening the relationships between the Nations. These are important achievements given current global events. Supacat is proud to have vehicles in service in both countries and support the soldiers who use, maintain and care for them.”

The British Army football team deserves our admiration for their unwavering commitment to serving their country, and their relentless dedication to the sport they love. Their unbridled passion and determination on the field is a true testament to their heroic spirit and serves as an inspiration to us all.

Supacat’s Common Base Platform integral to the British Army’s Modernisation of Equipment

Posted on September 6, 2023September 8, 2023 by nickyyeoman

On display at the world’s largest defence show DSEI, Supacat’s Common Base Platform will be ‘integral’ to the British Army’s ‘Modernisation of Equipment’ within UK Government’s Land Industrial Strategy.

As the British Army gears up to meet one of the MoD Land Industrial Strategy’s (LIS) objective which is to rationalise its current fleet of land mobility platforms from 35 to 15, Devon-based Supacat will be showcasing its High Mobility Transporters (HMT) Common Base Platform (closed cab / flatbed) at this year’s DSEI event, September 12 -15. The company will be exhibiting on Stand H4-460.

Supacat received an order from MOD for a further 70 of its HMT systems in February this year. These common base platforms can be fitted with mission modules to fulfil a variety of roles and agile operational needs as the Army makes this important transition.

This, Supacat says, is ‘integral’ to the Army’s rationalisation of its fleet by 2035, given the directive to maximise collaboration between the MoD, the Army and wider industry.

Phil Applegarth director, head of Supacat, said: “In a rapidly changing world, one of increased threats from land and air, it is vital that modern armies acquire the simplicity and flexibility afforded by versatile mobility platforms that share common or interchangeable parts to simplify supply, maintenance and logistics and enhance combat effectiveness. While the LIS itself is relatively new, Supacat has a 40-year pedigree of pioneering modular solutions for the British Army, enabling a variety of vehicle types to meet operational requirements and in-theatre needs.

“Our Mk 2 common base modular platform, can be easily re-rolled during its lifecycle through update, upkeep, upgrade, offering the value and flexibility required to support the modernisation of equipment objective within the strategy, and of course paving a smoother fleet transition for the MoD and the Army.”

Attendance at DSEI comes at a very busy time for Supacat. Following the Army’s requirement earlier this year for The Jackal 3, Supacat in collaboration with Babcock International Group Plc, production is in full flow and set to meet the required delivery targets. The order could potentially rise to 240 should operational requirements demand.

Nick Ames chief executive, added: “2023 has been a very busy, but productive and exciting year for us. We continue to fulfil all production requirements for the Jackal 3, and our production line is ready to meet customer demands from the UK and export markets as required. As one of the MoD’s key industrial suppliers we remain committed and fully support the LIS.”

Supacat’s HMT Common Base Platform family of vehicles are the heritage of Supacat’s design philosophy. The vehicles all share proven sub-systems leading to increased reliability and reduced logistic support. They can be configured with a variety of mission modules and protection levels to best suit operational requirements. These variations start with 4 x4 or 6×6 drivelines and end with open or closed architectures ranging from 6500-12000kg Gross Vehicle Mass.

About Supacat

Supacat is the world’s leading specialist in the design and development of high mobility defence vehicles with over 1000 specialist, battle-proven vehicles delivered into service globally. Part of SC Group, it is an innovative engineering and design company providing global, defence focused products and services, with offices in the UK and Australia. Its agility and speed enable Supacat to provide and fully support high performance solutions in short timescales. The UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement of Jackal and Coyote vehicles demonstrates the regard in which Supacat’s capabilities and products are held.

Supacat is part of SC Group. Building on three decades of engineering design success, SC Group has grown to be one of the world’s leading companies specialising in the design and development of equipment operating in harsh environments, bringing innovative solutions to our customers in a range of sectors, from defence and oil & gas to renewable energy, nuclear power to mineral exploration.

About DSEI.

DSEI 2023, in the most significant and largest iteration of the show in its 24-year history, will tackle the theme of ‘Achieving an Integrated Force’. Highlighting the pertinence of integrating across the five operational domains of Air, Cyber, electromagnetic activities (CEMA), Land, Sea and Space.

Featuring over 2,800 defence and security suppliers – including major prime manufacturers plus more than 230 new exhibitors. DSEI is the premier hybrid event of its kind and is crucial in bringing governments, the armed forces and the wider industry together.

Richard Foord MP visits Supacat

Posted on August 30, 2023October 24, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Richard Foord is the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Honiton and was appointed MP for the constituency on 23 June 2022.

This week, Richard Foord, MP, was welcomed to Supacat Head Office, Dukeswell, by Nick Ames, CEO, Shaun Mitchell, Finance Director, and Lizzie Jones, Operations Director.

The CEO of Supacat, Nick Ames, expressed his delight that Richard Foord MP took the time out of his busy schedule to visit their main facility in East Devon.

Nick warmly welcomed Richard, stating, “Supacat are thrilled to introduce Richard to its 130 staff and showcase why the HMT product is world-class, having secured over £100m in exports over the last eight years.”

Nick also emphasised that this is a critical time for defence businesses, and the support of political colleagues like Richard is crucial to the ongoing success of the company and sector in the UK.

During his visit, Richard had the opportunity to interact with several employees from different departments at Supacat. He was specifically interested in meeting the production team responsible for the new contract for 70 High Mobility Transporters (HMT), recognised as the Jackal by the British Army.

As Richard’s visit ended, he was invited to test drive the Jackal at Supacat’s test track. Richard’s enthusiasm was not dampened despite the rainy weather, and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The test drive allowed him to experience the vehicle’s impressive capabilities and innovative features first-hand. Overall, Richard left Supacat impressed with the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Richard Foord commented on the Jackal: “That was quite a ride! I had never driven the Jackal, but it is a superb vehicle. The handling on the road, suspension, and ability to stay put on a steep slope is incredible.

I can appreciate and understand why these vehicles are popular with the Royal Marines, the British Army and Special Forces.”

The opportunity to engage in dialogue regarding the south west, British exports, and the defence industry within the UK was indeed valuable, as it allowed Supacat the opportunity to demonstrate how we align our priorities with initiatives of the Government of the day.

For more information, contact Nicky Yeoman at (+44) 7568 106 904 or [email protected]

Supacat introduces Mixed Reality at DSEI

Posted on August 29, 2023October 25, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Supacat, the renowned defence vehicle manufacturer, is excited to announce its collaboration at DSEI, with Kognitiv Spark, a leading technology company specialising in secure and reliable applications of Mixed Reality for remote operators. Together, we are bringing RemoteSpark™ to DSEI 2023, the world’s leading defence and security event.

At the event, we will be hosting several demonstration sessions of RemoteSpark to showcase its innovative features. This cutting-edge technology empowers soldiers with the ability to remotely access 2D and 3D holographic assets, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and independence. With RemoteSpark, soldiers can visualise complex information in real-time and make informed decisions while operating in remote locations. The technology enables seamless communication over a low bandwidth setting between operators and remote experts, ensuring faster and more effective problem resolution.

Yash Katare, Supacat Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer, comments: “We are thrilled to present Kognitiv Spark’s technology at DSEI, which will demonstrate how Mixed Reality (MR) technology can be practically used for remote vehicle support. This innovative technology will showcase the practical application of Mixed Reality, and demonstrate its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Our demonstration will specifically focus on showcasing the replacement of the master cylinder in the braking system of the HMT platform, providing a comprehensive and detailed overview of the process. We are confident that this demonstration will highlight the immense potential of MR technology in enhancing remote support capabilities.”

Duncan McSporran, British Army Veteran, Co-Founder, COO, and VP of Defence at Kognitiv Spark, states: “It is great to be working with Supacat at DSEI to demonstrate Mixed Reality support at reach using RemoteSpark. There is a significant convergence between our two teams that are working to bring highly innovative capabilities into the defence market. Not only does that vision cover the ability to support soldiers and technicians working on Supacat platforms at the Defence Edge, but profoundly also demonstrates the ability to enhance operational tempo through timely support at the point of need.”

We are proud to bring this innovative technology to DSEI 2023 and demonstrate its potential to revolutionise military efficiencies.

As always, Supacat remain committed to providing world-class solutions that enhance the safety and security of our armed forces.

Kognitiv Spark Headset – Seeing the world from another perspective.

About us

About Supacat:

Supacat is part of SC Group. We are an innovative engineering and design company providing global, defence focused products and services with offices in the UK and Australia. Proud of our agility and speed, we are able to provide and fully support high performance solutions in exceedingly short timescales. The UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement of Jackal and Coyote demonstrates the substantial regard in which our capabilities and products are held.

Building on our firm foundation and three decades of engineering design success, we have grown to be one of the world’s leading companies specialising in the design and development of equipment operating in harsh environments. We have a passionate and committed team with the skills, expertise, dedication and focus to provide the highest value to our customers with bespoke quality products and services.

In September 2015, having successfully outgrown our original brand, the company was split between Supacat and SC Innovation under the SC Group umbrella. This exciting formation allows us to grow and develop our joint capabilities while bringing innovative solutions to our customers.

Supacat’s range of off-road wheeled and tracked vehicles continues to expand as new requirements for high-mobility cross-country defence vehicles arise. Supacat is certified to ISO 9001:2008 and delivers all the disciplines of vehicle design, including engineering, testing, prototype manufacture, certification, low- rate production and fleet support.

www.supacat.com

About Kognitiv Spark:

Established in 2016, Kognitiv Spark is a global tech company recognized for its competency in the secure, reliable, and network agnostic applications of Mixed Reality (MR) in industrial environments.

Kognitiv Spark’s mission is to help workforces achieve more, operate with confidence, and solve issues quickly, safely, and accurately, the first time, every time. They support a global footprint of clients and partners operating in defence, aerospace, manufacturing, marine, energy, and multiple other industrial sectors.

www.kognitivspark.com

LWR(V) Gained IOC Approval

Posted on July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Supacat recently hosted a celebration for the LWR(V) reaching IOC, with the British Army, DE&S, and NP Aerospace in attendance.

Brigadier Matt Wilkinson, Vehicle Support Team Leader at DE&S, expressed his delight at the achievement and praised the collaboration between all parties involved, stating:

“Today, we celebrated the Lightweight Recovery Variant reaching Initial Operating Capability, which is the product of a fantastic collaboration between the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support, Supacat and NP Aerospace. We now have a Lightweight Recovery capability, which the British Army can exploit to inform the Army’s Future Soldier requirements for recovery vehicles.”

Photograph below feature representatives from, Supacat, VST (DE&S), British Army, & NP Aerospace.

For more information about this successful programme, please speak to Nicky Yeoman, Head of Marketing at Supacat (e: [email protected]) or Caroline Hardiman, Marketing Manager at NP Aerospace (e: [email protected])

Supacat proudly supported SSAFA at Taunton Armed Forces Day.

Posted on July 12, 2023July 13, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Supacat is a proud sponsor of SSAFA

In early July 2023, Supacat proudly supported SSAFA at Taunton Armed Forces Day. This community event honours the brave men and women of the Armed Forces community, including current and former service members, their families, veterans, and cadets.

For over 130 years, SSAFA has been dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces and is a strong advocate for Armed Forces Day. Sheryl, a SSAFA volunteer, expressed her gratitude for Nigel from Supacat, who spent the day on the Jackal and interacted wonderfully with all the children who wanted to explore the vehicle. Bob, the father of Lewis, also enjoyed the event, having served in the RAF himself and overseeing engineering apprentices at Yeovil College.

SSAFA’s mission is to help the Forces family thrive, and they provide charitable support both in the UK and in 11 other countries around the world. Their work is made possible through contributions from benevolent funds and generous donations, directly assisting serving personnel and their families.

Images are of Lewis, son of Emma (present at the show) – Lewis is having the best time.

Lewis in the Jackal at the Armed Forces Day

Supacat Passing The Baton

Posted on July 11, 2023 by nickyyeoman

The Bastion Baton was founded in 2009 by Alan Rowe, MBE. Supacat, utilising their impressive engineering capabilities, enabled the mechanical designers to engineer the end caps for the Batons successfully. This was a challenging task due to the asymmetrical profiles.

The Baton is a remarkable military charity that in 14 years has never taken wages, or will, advocates for veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary support and rehabilitation for any physical or psychological injuries sustained while serving in the Armed Forces. Their efforts help raise awareness and assist those who rightfully deserve it.

The Baton holds a more profound meaning beyond being just a handle for a military stretcher. It symbolises courage, a virtue rooted in the experiences of those who have fought battles that most of us cannot even imagine, whether in their professional or personal lives. Its purpose is to be passed from one caring hand to another, spreading its message far and wide to keep it alive.

According to Phil Applegarth, the Director of Supacat, “Refurbishing the two Batons is not a new task for us. We are honoured to pass The Batons from one colleague to another to bring The Batons back to life.

Not long ago, four Royal Marines undertook a perilous journey of 3,700 miles across the Atlantic, carrying one of The Batons. As we facilitate its onward journey, this symbolic object now gets a new lease of life.”

Alan Rowe, MBE, the Founder and Trustee of The Baton, has praised Supacat for their ongoing efforts in refurbishing the charity’s symbol since its inception in 2009. The Baton has endured a lot of wear and tear, mainly when it was carried during the 3,000-cycle Race across America. It was never dropped despite being passed from one person to another 500 times. By the end of the race, metal spring clips held the baton together, and hardly any paint was left on it.

Alan Rowe expressed his gratitude, “Stephan Addicott for the recent refurbishment of the Batons. A lady and her mother will soon take one of these batons to an RAF grave in Belgium, where a crew member (the lady’s uncle) is buried. Local people tend to the grave as a gratitude for the crew’s sacrifice during World War II.”

Picture below Alan Rowe MBE Founder and Trustee of The Bastion Baton and Stephan Addicott Paint Shop Area Lead

Picture below The Baton before and after refurbishment

The Batons will now embark on their next journey from a once war-torn battlefield to new hands, spreading the message that the stretcher serves without discrimination, something we should all remember.

We are hiring

Posted on July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 by nickyyeoman

While our organisation is widely known for its creation and manufacturing of some of the world’s most recognisable tactical vehicles, we are far more than just a defensive entity. In fact, we have an extensive background in various sectors, including collaborative partnerships with globally recognised charities like RNLI #Savinglivesatsea and supporting the green energy sector through our collaboration with Fred Olsen on the Bolt Wave machine. As our business continues to expand, we require new skills to strengthen and enhance our workforce, ensuring that we are adequately prepared for the future.

If your ultimate goal is to make a difference by protecting lives and preserving our planet, our company is the ideal place to advance your career. We offer ongoing training and workshops to help you achieve new heights throughout your journey with us. We are proud to have a team of dedicated colleagues who have been with us for over 35 years, and our founder, Nick Jones, remains at the core of our organisation, even after 40 years of steady growth.

We are committed to creating a culture of excellence, fairness, and safety for all our employees. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and experienced professionals in the industry, who are fully committed to achieving our common goal of making a positive impact on the world. Together, we can create a better future for all.

For more information about the roles we have on offer, please reach out to Tom Hattan, HR Manager or check out our careers page

Wishing you all the best in your chosen career!

A little reward goes along way

Posted on July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 by nickyyeoman

Supporting Team Forces and Turn to Starboard

In early July, we sent three members of the Supacat family to Falmouth to spend two days sailing with the Team Forces and the Turn to Starboard Charities.

Turn to Starboard is a charity run formed over ten years ago by retired RAF Squadron Leader Shaun Pascoe. The charity was created because of his dedication and commitment to the Armed Forces community, mainly supporting retired personnel and their families. The charity aims to help veterans and their families integrate into civilian life. They concentrate on resettlement, reintegration, and reinforcing a sense of worth and belonging. They aim to guide individuals to “Make the Right Turn” and steer toward a safer and brighter future, just like turning a ship to the right to avoid danger.

Three colleagues from Supacat joined Team Forces to ride the Cornish waves alongside the crew of Turn to Starboard. Thanks to Team Forces and Turn to Starboard for providing an enriching experience for the Supacat team.

As we are a big part of the Defence family, we felt this was a great way to offer something back to the defence community and our colleagues. Find out what our colleagues had to say about their experience:

Alex Dando said, “This opportunity allowed me to explore a new section of the coastline and discover a fantastic charity making a positive impact. From the excitement of sailing and reaching a speed of 7.5 knots to meeting exciting individuals from various sectors of the defence industry, this experience will stay with me. It rained during the first day, but this did not dampen spirits. The second day brought clear skies and a pleasant journey back to Falmouth. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

Richard Lott states, “After some reflection, I have gained a deeper appreciation for sailing and the admirable efforts of Team Forces and Turn to Starboard. My most cherished memory was steering The Spirit of Falmouth Boat while navigating the open waters. I’ll always remember the challenge of hoisting the sails, which required much effort.”

Chris Wheeler expresses his feelings about an enriching experience, “I embarked on a sailing trip with no prior experience or knowledge in the field. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful two days I spent on Turn to Starboards Tallship Spirit of Falmouth, also known as the “pirate ship”. The crew consisted of ex-forces and civilians who were passionate about their work. They were welcoming and encouraging, allowing us to participate in the sailing process and teach new skills.

As a veteran, I fully appreciate the crew’s charity work. They offer free yachting qualifications to veterans, helping them find peace and purpose through sailing careers. The first day was rainy, but it did not dampen our spirits. We sailed along the stunning Cornish coast from Falmouth to Fowey and were lucky enough to witness a couple of schools of dolphins. We ended the day with laughter and good food.

The next day, we sailed back with a favourable wind and decent sunshine while keeping pace with three other boats. It was a delightful experience, and I was sad to leave the ship and return to land. I highly recommend sailing to anyone, regardless of their interest or experience level, as it was an unforgettable two-day adventure.”

Hear from Joss Pascoe, the son of Shaun Pascoe: ‘Spirit of Falmouth’.

Listen to Chris Wheeler and Richard Lott, just before they set sail on the Spirit of Falmouth.