This award is the highest distinction given by the National Government to small and medium-sized enterprises that take advantage of international markets through strategies based on the quality of their processes.
The Colombian company, Antares, manufacturer of aerospace components and cover case of a recent edition of Metalmecánica International, was one of the winners of the Colombian Award for Quality for Export, being considered as the largest honor given by the National Government to small and medium-sized companies that include quality standards in their processes, goods and services, and take advantage of the international market.
The award was presented by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, José Manuel Restrepo, and the President of Colombia Productiva, Camilo Fernández de Soto. The minister assured that companies worthy of the award are “an example for other companies to commit even more to achieving greater competitiveness in their processes and to achieve products that meet the technical requirements demanded by external markets.”
Antares achieved recognition in the small business category, which highlighted the development of reverse engineering procedures and aeronautical products for military aircraft, which have opened the way for it to reach the North American market. The Bogotana company is one of the first companies certified in Colombia in AS – 9100, the highest standard in the aerospace industry. Thanks to this certification, Antares exported USD 65,384 to the United States in 2019.
The company has had an important track record in the industry, for example, they are the manufacturers of the KFIR aircraft braking system and made the 1300-l fuel tanks for these combat aircraft, among its clients are the Colombian Air Force and the U.S. Department of Defense.