CNI recognized by aerospace industry leaders ​   

STILWELL, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Industries, the manufacturing and distribution division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, has been named one of the most prestigious suppliers in the aerospace industry.

The company was recently awarded the Gold Supplier Certification from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, recognizing its best-in-class performance in quality, delivery, lean techniques and customer satisfaction in the manufacturing of main wiring harnesses for the MH-60S SEAHAWK and S-92 aircraft. CNI is only the 15th Sikorsky supplier to receive the impressive award.

“This award reflects more than the quality of our work. It reflects the quality of our employees,” said Bill John Baker, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Our employees continue to work hard for their company because they know that the company works hard for them. The success of any Cherokee Nation business is shared with the Cherokee people through programs, services and job creation. Our employees are working for a purpose, not just a paycheck, and we appreciate each and every one of them.”

CNI hosted an appreciation lunch on Wednesday, May 2, to thank the Stilwell employees for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Cherokee Nation Industries President Chris Moody emphasized the importance of quality employees and the impact each employee has had on the company’s growth and success.

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and commitment to excellence of our employees,” said Chris Moody, president of Cherokee Nation Industries. “By investing in the advancement of our capabilities, we continually attract new business and create new opportunities for our Cherokee workforce.”

In the past year, CNI has been awarded three of the most prestigious awards available in the aerospace industry. In July 2011, Boeing recognized the company with a Gold Status rating for its outstanding work. Gold Status is the highest rating given to a vendor by Boeing, reserved for their most valued business relationships.

In January 2012, Bell Helicopter recognized CNI as being in the top 10 percent of the company’s suppliers. The prestigious Bell Premier Supplier Award praised the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality materials on a 98 percent frequency rate. CNI also earned a superior rating on a cross-functional inspection conducted on site by a specialized Bell team.

CNI laid the framework for the Cherokee Nation’s economic success more than 40 years ago. The tribal enterprise specializes in aerospace and defense manufacturing, telecommunications and distribution services. The company has 504 employees, 73 percent of whom are Cherokee Nation citizens and another eight percent from other Native American tribes.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service.  United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.