DLM Receives JOSCAR Approval
Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) has joined the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), which means it is approved to work on aerospace, defence, and security contracts, such as those overseen by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its supply chain partners.
Southampton-based DLM is a specialist in the design, manufacture, repair, and calibration of load cells, load monitoring, and cable working equipment for the offshore, renewable energy, marine, subsea, and lifting and rigging industries. The product portfolio is already utilised in the military and defence sector, but JOSCAR approval further entrenches the business in this challenging marketplace.
Such recognition is only given to businesses that complete a detailed online application, supported by evidence of the information provided. A thorough audit follows before approval is granted; DLM can now work with major defence contractors, such as BAE Systems, Atlas Elektronik, and Thales, in project hotbeds including the UK and Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, and Australia.
Martin Halford, managing director at DLM, said: “We have for many years sporadically supplied to the defence industry and have some products that have NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] stock codes. However, it is part of our five-year strategic plan to undertake more work for the MOD and its contractors. In order to be able to serve this supply chain, you need to have JOSCAR approval. On certain contracts, registration is even a prerequisite.”
Aerospace, defence, and security projects are often confidential, but it is expected that DLM will now be better positioned to offer its expertise in subsea load monitoring and deliver load pins and load cells to the point of use in new-build and other MOD applications. Many of the company’s standard products — tensile link load cells, for example — have already been utilised in aerospace projects led by the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army. Special external coatings and colourations are among common requirements.
Halford added: “We already have the product portfolio, manufacturing capability, and expertise to provide for this industry — and have proven that where we have been contracted to date. However, JOSCAR establishes us in a supply network that must adhere to the most rigorous standards on earth. It’s clear that more investment is being put into this industry, for many years to come. Given our background in offshore, and the exacting standards applicable, we can offer this sector a great deal in the long-term.”
JOSCAR, designed to improve efficiency of both the supplier and buyer communities, adds to a myriad of other accreditations and certifications held by DLM. Aerospace, defence, and security buying decision makers will also note full membership in the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF), while many products are IC, CE, UKCA, and FCC approved. DLM is also ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified.