Somerset Aerospace Textile Firm Working with Boeing to Support Frontline Helicopters

• First industrial sewing company accredited to supply ground support equipment and soft-trim interiors for Chinook helicopters
• Somerton-based Needles & Pins has expanded its workforce and moved into a larger warehouse as local Boeing supplier

SOMERSET, United Kingdom, July 8, 2025 — Needles & Pins Aerospace, a leading UK industrial textile company, is working with Boeing Defence UK to supply ground support equipment and soft-trim interiors that enhance soundproofing and comfort for aircrew of the Chinook helicopters flown by the British armed forces.

Sponsored by Boeing Defence UK for the ADS-led SC21 programme for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) last year, Needles & Pins is the first UK industrial sewing company now accredited with AS9110 to work in the defence sector.

"The support we have received has been invaluable in enhancing our capabilities and expanding our operations in Somerton," said Carole Champion, managing director of Needles & Pins Aerospace. "The past 18 months have seen significant growth for us, and we are excited to explore apprenticeship opportunities with local colleges to support our ambitions.”

Founded seven years ago, Needles & Pins Aerospace has grown to a workforce of 16 employees, achieving key aerospace accreditations with Boeing’s assistance. This success has allowed the company to move into a larger warehouse, increase production capacity and create new job opportunities.

The company is female-owned and operated, with some team members boasting over 40 years of experience in the textile trade.

"At Boeing, we are committed to strengthening the UK aerospace industry by investing in local talent and fostering partnerships with innovative SMEs like Needles & Pins Aerospace,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK and Somerset local himself. “Their success is a testament to the highly talented and skilled workforce we have in the UK and the economic growth they bring to the regions where our teammates are proud to live and work.”

Boeing Defence UK offers a Cluster Training programme, a six-session course designed for SMEs, in which Needles & Pins Aerospace participated in the inaugural cohort last year. The second cohort is now in progress, providing additional opportunities for local SMEs to improve and expand their operations.

Boeing’s UK supply chain base is the largest outside the United States, with £15.1 billion spent since 2015 across a network of over 950 domestic suppliers.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 4,000 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and is the largest supply chain base outside the United States, with £15.1 billion spent since 2015 across a network of over 950 domestic suppliers.

For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.