Joanne Liddle, the Managing Director of aerospace firm IPC Mouldings, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The formal investiture ceremony took place at Windsor Castle where HRH The Princess Royal presented the award. This honour recognises Liddle for her extensive services and commitment to the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland. The region is a well-known global hub for engineering innovation and supports a large number of highly skilled jobs.
As the head of IPC Mouldings, Liddle has overseen the production of components used in approximately two million commercial aircraft seats. This work has helped to maintain the international standing of the regional manufacturing sector. Alan Henning, Chair of ADS NI and Director of Operations at Collins Aerospace, commented on the achievement. He said: “Joanne’s MBE is extremely well deserved. She’s been an outstanding advocate for Northern Ireland’s aerospace sector and a valued voice on the ADS NI Council. Her leadership at IPC Mouldings, combined with her dedication to skills development and mentoring the next generation, exemplifies the quality and commitment that makes our industry world-leading. We’re proud to celebrate this recognition with her.”
Liddle also holds several positions outside of her company. She is a board member of the social enterprise AEL and serves on the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Manufacturing Task Force. Her involvement in these groups helps to guide regional industrial strategy. Brendan McGuigan from Invest NI noted: “I am delighted that Joanne has been recognised for her work within the aerospace sector. IPC Mouldings is at the forefront of the industry supply chain, with its engineers manufacturing components for an estimated two million commercial aircraft seats right here in Northern Ireland. Joanne has helped IPC Mouldings to evolve, and the company is now recognised around the world for its products and expertise.”
The award also highlights Liddle’s commitment to education and diversity. She frequently works with local schools on STEM activities and mentors young women through the Sisters IN programme. Jackson Minford, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, stated: “Joanne is very well deserving of her MBE. She has been a great advocate for the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland and, in particular, a strong supporter of the Mid and East Antrim area. Through Joanne, IPC Mouldings is involved in STEM activities, offering visits to local schools, in addition to placements, intern opportunities and apprenticeship programmes. The company is also part of the Council’s Manufacturing Task Force (MTF) with Joanne at the fore of ensuring the development of initiatives that support our local industry.”
Reflecting on the event, Joanne said: “It is an incredible honour to receive an MBE. I am proud to represent Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and aerospace community. This recognition belongs to the talented teams I work alongside every day and to the wider industry that continues to innovate and compete globally.”
