We are proud to announce that Radial Bearing has been recertified to AS9100 at our new facility in Bethel, Connecticut. This milestone confirms what our customers count on every day: disciplined processes, rigorous quality controls, and consistent execution for mission-critical applications in Commercial Aerospace and Space & Defense.
This recertification is also a direct reflection of the work and leadership of Ed Gray and Eric Coons. Their focus on quality fundamentals, process control, and audit readiness helped ensure the transition to our Bethel facility did not disrupt the standards our customers require.
What AS9100 Recertification Really Means
AS9100 is the aerospace industry’s quality management system standard. For customers, it is more than a certificate. It is a signal that your supplier operates with repeatable, documented controls that support:
- Traceability from raw material through finished product
- Controlled processes that reduce variation and improve repeatability
- Strong corrective and preventive action practices
- Audit-ready documentation and data discipline
In aerospace and defense applications, “good parts” are not enough. Quality must be designed into the workflow, verified at each step, and proven in records that stand up to customer, regulatory, and third-party scrutiny.
Why the Bethel, CT Facility Matters
The Bethel, Connecticut location strengthens Radial Bearing’s manufacturing presence in New England and the broader aerospace supply chain across the Northeast. It also supports customers who value domestic manufacturing, responsive communication, and shorter supply lines for critical components.
A new facility can introduce risk if systems are not managed carefully during the transition. Achieving AS9100 recertification at Bethel demonstrates that Radial Bearing’s quality management system moved with us, and it is operating effectively in the new space.
Recognition: Ed Gray and Eric Coons
Recertification audits are not won with paperwork alone. They are earned through daily habits: disciplined process ownership, clear work instructions, tight control of nonconforming product, and a culture that treats documentation as part of the work.
Ed Gray and Eric Coons led the effort that made this outcome possible. Their work helped ensure the Bethel facility is not simply operational, but operational at the level aerospace and defense customers expect. That includes:
- Preparing teams and processes for audit scrutiny
- Reinforcing consistent inspection, calibration, and record control
- Driving continuous improvement actions that strengthen the QMS
- Building confidence that our processes perform under real production conditions
What This Means for Our Customers
1) Confidence in mission-critical performance
Radial Bearing designs and manufactures components used in demanding applications where safety, reliability, and repeatability are non-negotiable. Our rod ends and spherical bearings are built to perform under dynamic loads, misalignment, vibration, and harsh environments.
2) Stronger quality documentation and traceability
AS9100 recertification reinforces that our documentation, inspection records, and material traceability practices support customer requirements and program expectations.
3) Operational consistency from prototype through production
Whether a customer needs early prototypes or recurring production orders, quality systems create predictable outcomes. That stability is critical for aerospace and defense programs where schedule, compliance, and configuration control matter.
4) A dependable partner for engineered solutions
Many customers come to Radial Bearing not just for components, but for engineered assemblies and application-specific solutions that reduce system complexity and improve durability.
What This Means for the Aerospace and Defense Supply Chain
The aerospace and defense supply chain is under pressure on multiple fronts: lead-time expectations, documentation demands, risk management, and accountability for quality. Suppliers who can demonstrate strong systems and consistent execution reduce friction for OEMs and primes.
AS9100 recertification at our Bethel facility supports that broader need. It signals that Radial Bearing is structured to deliver with discipline, whether the requirement is tight tolerances, controlled materials, or repeatable manufacturing outcomes.
It also supports the ongoing focus on resilient domestic manufacturing. For programs that prioritize U.S.-based supply, having an AS9100-certified manufacturer in Connecticut helps create options for engineering teams and procurement groups looking to reduce geographic and logistical risk.
Where Our Quality System Shows Up in Real Products
Radial Bearing’s AS9100-backed processes support a broad portfolio of engineered motion control linkage products, including:
- Rod Ends designed to accommodate misalignment and oscillating movement under load, with configurations and materials tailored to the application.
- Spherical Bearings that allow smooth rotation with limited angular motion in compact assemblies and high-force environments.
- Assemblies engineered to simplify systems, streamline installation, and improve durability through integrated component design.
These products support customers across Commercial Aerospace and Space & Defense, where our components are engineered for precision and reliability in demanding environments.
What’s Next
Recertification is not a finish line. It is confirmation that the system is healthy, and it sets the bar for continuous improvement. In the months ahead, our focus remains the same:
- Maintain audit-ready discipline in day-to-day execution
- Improve process capability and inspection consistency
- Continue building responsiveness into engineering support and production planning
- Deliver dependable quality and lead-time performance that customers can plan around
Talk With Our Team
If you are sourcing an AS9100-certified supplier for rod ends, spherical bearings, or assemblies, our team is ready to support your program needs from concept through production.
Helpful links:
- Rod Ends: https://radialbearing.com/products/rod-ends/
- Spherical Bearings: https://radialbearing.com/products/spherical-bearings/
- Assemblies: https://radialbearing.com/products/assemblies/
- Commercial Aerospace: https://radialbearing.com/industries/commercial-aerospace/
- Space & Defense: https://radialbearing.com/industries/space-defense/