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"The project kick-started our drive towards lean manufacture and we have not looked back since"

As well as providing first class advice and support for manufacturers in the West Midlands, MAS-WM also regularly provides a manufacturing viewpoint to the media, both regionally and nationally.

 

Our most recently published press releases are listed below, for more information about MAS-WM and the media, please contact Michelle Trew our Marketing Coordinator on

01902 838319 or email Michelle Trew

News Headlines

 

 

'Juice proves just ripe for worcestershire fruit groweR'

The art of turning tomatoes into a popular drink is reaping dividends for one of Worcestershire’s leading fruit growers.

 

Haven Nurseries, which has been based in the heart of the county for fifty years, has enjoyed a massive upsurge in sales in its home-made juice, with local markets and a leading supermarket all reporting major interest in the product.

 

The news is a massive boost for the family run business, which started the new division after tapping into advice and support from Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) and specialist Campden Chorleywood.

 

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Two traditional West Midlands industries have joined forces to provide the crowning glory for one of the world’s biggest brands

Johnnie Walker describe their Blue Label Scotch Whisky as “the epitome of the art of blending”, but it was the combined talents of two metal-bashing companies, brought together by the Manufacturing Advisory Service West Midlands, that put a gold seal on the famous blue bottle.

 

Die casters Norfran Products, based at Alveley Industrial Estate in Bridgnorth, were commissioned by cork makers Rankin Brothers to supply a specially decorated zinc top for a limited edition run of Blue Label aimed at the middle and far eastern market, including Japan and Korea, that could amount to around 360,000 units.

 

The ongoing contract could be worth an estimated £1.2m and is expected to maintain current employment levels at Norfran.

 

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Where will UK manufacturing be in the next 5-years?

If we look at how the manufacturing landscape in the UK has changed over the last 10-years you can bet that with the rate of technological advancement the next 5-years will see even greater transformation. Manufacturers should be aware of the various trends that underpin the fact that change is definitely part of the manufacturing picture throughout the UK.

 

The single biggest issue for many businesses remains that of global competition, and this will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Competition from overseas and low cost production is not going to go away and in reality will only increase as global manufacturing capability improves and alternative low cost producers come to the fore. With this in mind, low overseas wage costs will rise over time and at some point the huge investment cost in infrastructure will need to be recouped, leading us to believe that the cost of overseas production will eventually increase. However, it will be some time, if ever, before the UK competes on a level playing field and for these reasons manufacturers can’t afford to sit back and wait for this to happen. Firms can no longer operate in isolation and ought to be aware of the global picture. I can’t stress enough that companies should be constantly addressing their cost base and improving productivity to ensure that they remain competitive today and in the future.

 

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£1.7m productivity boost for west midlands' auto suppliers

Automotive suppliers in the West Midlands are being urged to take part in a groundbreaking £1.7m initiative that will boost productivity and increase global competitiveness.

 

Run by The Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MAS-WM), in partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - Industry Forum (SMMT-IF), the Midlands Productivity Alliance (MPA) project is yet another boost to the region’s supply chain and will help companies drive down lead times, reduce waste and stock and embrace best practice techniques.

 

The programme, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands, features a hands-on package of support, including Master Class Improvement Workshops that have been designed specifically by manufacturers and SMMT IF to help firms establish themselves as first choice suppliers to the world’s car producers.  

 

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Workshops to boost West Midlands manufacturing efficiency

West Midlands manufacturers can now better position themselves to beat off global competition through a series of manufacturing best practice workshops and seminars taking place at three new venues throughout the region. The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) is once again offering manufacturers a chance to improve their operational efficiency through expert advice on topics ranging from ‘effective problem solving’ and ‘overall equipment effectiveness’ to new product introduction and manufacturing strategy. Now in to their fifth year, the free of charge events have to date attracted over 2,000 delegates.

 

This year the manufacturing best practice workshops will take place at Stourbridge and Coventry Rugby Clubs and Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club. The sessions aim to address operational efficiency and the increasing competitive pressure facing local manufacturers. Experienced manufacturing practitioners will deliver ten manufacturing best practice workshops with practical, up to date company examples used to reinforce learning.

 

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New contract sparks a record year for Black Country manufacturer

A £500k investment drive is helping an award-winning Black Country manufacturer achieve the best year in its history.

 

A&M EDM Ltd, a specialist in wire erosion and spark eroding, is celebrating after a string of recent contracts wins has put it on course for a £1.5m turnover and seen its workforce grow by 33%.

 

Backed by support from Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands, the Smethwick-based company has defied all the odds to successfully build a broad customer base in the automotive, domestic goods and jewellery sectors, with plans already in place to secure new business in the buoyant aerospace arena.

 

Mark Wingfield (position), who, along with (position) Arthur Watts, started the business (in) with just £17,000, picked up the story:

 

“2006 was a great year and saw us make massive strides in improving our operational performance and in our ability to win new work. There was also the small matter of refurbishing our facility in Mornington Street to consider as well!

 

“New markets and in particular, the aerospace sector, were a priority for us, as we knew we possessed the skills and the capacity required to work within the demanding environments.”

 

He went on to add: “We immediately signalled our intentions by successfully securing the industry quality standard AS/EN9100, but rather than stopping there, we decided to carry on and go for the sector’s top accreditation - NADCAP.”

 

A&M EDM tapped into the experience and external advice of MAS-WM’s LiftOff project, which helped them to formalise its robust quality system and implement the specialist inspection and traceability processes expected in the aerospace industry.

 

The results were immediate; with the NADCAP worldwide quality standard achieved against a backdrop of cost savings and increased efficiencies.

 

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New Business Resource Efficiency Club is Launched to Tackle the Manufacturing Challenge

Manufacturing companies in North Staffordshire are uniting to improve their environmental credentials – with the launch of a new Resource Efficiency Club (REC).

 

The North Staffs Manufacturers Network REC hosted by the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce will be made up solely of manufacturing businesses from the local area. By working in partnership with the Envirowise programme, the Manufacturing Advisory Service - WM, Ceramic Industry Forum and Michelin Development, the club aims to share best practice and reap the benefits in business performance.

 

The club will provide seminars and workshops on a regular basis including advice on environmental management and waste awareness. The club will also provide training sessions for members and on-site diagnostic support for members taking the opportunity to engage in one of the Productivity Improvement Networks run by the club. Over the past two years, eleven local manufacturers have made collective savings of over £1million due to the free assistance received via the Productivity Improvement Networks.

 

North Staffs Manufacturers Network REC will be hosting a launch event on 22nd May for potential members who will include guest speakers and presentations from companies who have already benefited from involvement with the club. Further details of this event can be obtained from Jenny Donkin.

 

Jenny Donkin of the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

 

“It is fantastic news for the local business community in North Staffordshire that this Resource Efficiency Club has been established. By working with Envirowise and other local business support organisations, our current and future member companies will be able to work towards the common goal of resource efficiency – and reap the business and financial benefits to be gained from doing this. I look forward to seeing the results of our planned work, and encourage other companies in the area to come forward.”

 

Manufacturing companies based in North Staffordshire are encouraged to register their interest in joining the REC by contacting Jenny directly on 07736 561886

 

Resource Efficiency Clubs (RECs) are government-funded through Defra’s BREW (Business Resource Efficiency & Waste Programme) scheme. The Resource Efficiency Clubs programme is managed by Envirowise.

 

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MAS-WM manufacturing best practice workshops kick-start Plastex into successful lean journey

REDDITCH-based PVCu door and window manufacturer, Plastex Ltd, is celebrating its manufacturing success with news of a high volume social housing contract after implementing lean practices and working in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS) to delivery staggering productivity improvements.

 

The firm’s has seen productivity increase by 60% and a three-fold increase in turnover as a result of its team working with MAS to re-layout the factory in order to significantly increase Plastex’s productivity.

 

Employing 56 people, Plastex acknowledge that it would have been a struggle to successfully manufacture the sheer volume of the new contract and sustain its existing business had they not embarked upon their lean journey. MAS Specialist Manufacturing Advisor Iain Robertson first audited the company’s manufacturing operation in January 2005 and immediately recognised that the layout was not optimised for work flow. This was costing Plastex in terms of distanced travelled by factory workers and the double handling of materials.

 

Iain met with Managing Director, Roger Hussell who was very keen to get things moving. MAS video recorded the problem areas and played back footage to staff for them to identify areas for development. Lean specialist Chris Butlin then gave a presentation on implementing lean techniques, an organisation process which stems from Toyota in Japan to boost efficiency, safety and cleanliness.

 

A re-layout and change in job roles was implemented over a weekend which resulted in less travelling for workers and less handling of parts. The purchase of a CNC router, a computer numerical control system that controls the motion of tools and parts through computer programme numeric data, removed bottlenecks in production, and framing rigs for the final assembly of windows, glass, beading and gaskets improved efficiency.

 

Plastex Managing Director, Roger Hussell, said:

 

“MAS helped us to reduce a lot of unnecessary waste and more than double our production operation. With guidance from the expert advisors, we were able to drive home the importance of continuous improvement to staff and now that we have started there really is no stopping us.”

 

The Plastex efficiency drive has also seen them trial laser measures with direct links to the quoting department, producing costs automatically and creating an electronic file which manages the entire process if an order is placed.

 

Christ Butlin, Specialist Manufacturing Advisor said:

 

‘Every day we meet companies who want to explore the opportunities of lean manufacturing. Plastex is a fantastic example of a company that are reaping the benefits of implementing lean thinking throughout the organisation.’

 

He adds:

 

It was great to work with a company that had a commitment to lean from the very top. Roger was an inspiration throughout the project and actively encouraged the participation of his teams on a day-to-day basis.

 

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Trail (Technology Transfer in Railways) Latest!

The railway research centre at the University of Birmingham is carrying out a project called TRAIL (Technology Transfer in Railways) funded by AWM. The purpose of the project is to assist West Midlands based companies to identify their needs, to provide technology support, access to innovation funding sources and developing solutions, products, processes and services through research and development. Our website is www.technologyrail.org where further information on how we might be able to assist you is available. Initial assistance is FREE.

 

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Best Of British Industry Awards 2006

MAS West Midlands is supporting the Best of British Industry Awards – the UK 's first ever award ceremony celebrating success right across industry.

 

Sponsored by AMEC, The Sunday Times and The Work Foundation, the aim of the awards is not only to identify the best industrial companies in the country, but to showcase the vibrancy, dynamism and commercial success of businesses that extract, create and maintain products.

 

All industrial companies in the UK , regardless of their size or sector, will be invited to enter the awards at www.britishindustryawards.co.uk . There are eight award categories covering themes such as the next generation, the community, exporters, small industrial companies and the prestigious Industrial Company of the Year award, which will be awarded to the best overall winner.

 

Short-listed companies will be profiled in the Sunday Times in February 2007 with the winners announced at a dinner in the same month at the Tate Modern in London . Entry to the awards is free and you can enter more than one category. The closing date for entries is 13 October 2006 .

 

For more information on support available from the MAS -WM call our helpdesk on 0845 245 0845 0r email info@mas-wm.org

 

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MAS West Midlands manufacturers encouraged to join the quest for business excellence

The DTI Manufacturing Advisory Service ( MAS ) has announced its support of the 2006 Manufacturing Excellence Awards and is encouraging West Midlands manufacturers, especially those that have utilised the service, to see how they compete against the best in the industry.

 

Companies that enter will also benefit from individually tailored benchmarking reports worth over £10,000 that are provided free of charge as part of the application process.

 

For over 20 years the MX Awards have showcased the UK 's top manufacturers and 2006 will be no different. Applicants need to complete a self assessment audit and this is followed by a comprehensive evaluation process. The audit covers all the key performance factors that facilitate competitiveness in world markets in order to measure businesses efficiency against the best in the industry, as well as highlighting areas for improvement.

 

Entrants will also receive a free on-site diagnostic health check visit from MAS . This assesses a company's productivity levels in order to provide further feedback and advice, ensuring all businesses can benefit from entry to the Awards, whether or not a winner.

 

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alan Johnson said:

 

“The future of manufacturing depends on industry raising investment, applying science and innovation, best practice and skills to create even better products that the world wants to buy. The MX Awards show it can be done.”

 

As one of the principal sponsors of the 2006 Awards, MAS recognises the value of showcasing the region's top manufacturing companies and rewarding them for their development and implementation of best practice.

 

MAS West Midlands is uniquely aligned with MX 2006 in its commitment to high value and skills, and the need for extensive manufacturing assistance to allow companies to flourish.

 

David Wright, MAS Chief Executive, said:

 

“Manufacturing is vital to the regional economy and MAS West Midlands is committed to providing the right support to ensure that our manufacturers continue to successfully compete in world markets. It is through partnerships that we will achieve the best results, which is why MAS is pleased to support the Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Our alignment with these Awards will bring even greater benefits to West Midlands businesses, and by sharing best practice we will deliver even greater success and support the long-term sustainability of manufacturing in the region.”

 

Entry is free. For application forms please log on to www.mx2006.org.uk or contact Kate Jones on 0207 973 1287.

 

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In search of a smart toolkit for successful new product development

The Manufacturing Foundation and the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the West Midlands have undertaken a study to look into the most effective new product development tools for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

 

The process of new product development covers a number of stages ranging from the identification of a business opportunity to the market launch of the identified product, and includes all that happens in between. Our research aims to identify, analyse and disseminate good practice and the key mechanisms for new product development used by innovative small and medium-sized manufacturers.

 

The study has been triggered by the findings of a previous research carried out by the Manufacturing Foundation in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce. The report 'Inventing our Future' , which was released in November 2005, looked into the R&D experience of small manufacturers, and showed that

 

“the main concern for many small manufacturers engaged with R&D work remained how to bring their inventions to the market and how to translate a developed end product into the mass production phase”,

 

as Alan Curtis, Chairman of the Manufacturing Foundation, pointed out.

 

We are currently in search of manufacturing SMEs with good practices in new product development and a track record of successful market introduction of new products. We are also analysing a range of business support initiatives that assist manufacturing SMEs to develop a strong capacity for new product development.

 

For more information, please phone or e-mail Alberto Canovas on 07787 318777

 

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FW Precision is flying after relocating to new premises

Black Country aviation tooling company is in "fine fettle" after relocating to new premises and getting manufacturing advice to improve its processes. The LiftOff programme run by MAS-WM assisted the company to make business improvements and FW Precision have gone onto expand its workforce and capacity. To find out how lots of little business improvement activities made such a big difference to the company take a look at their case study.

 

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PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDERS PRESSED FOR TIME

Birmingham based trade injection moulders, First Press can celebrate, safe in the knowledge that they have overcome a complex product quality issue to secure a £140,000 order with the help of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands . To find out how they overcame a serious polymer product issues take a look at their case study.

 

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GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY GIVES DIECAM A ‘FIRST MOVE ADVANTAGE'

Walsall based precision engineering company DIECAM Limited are celebrating their recent threefold contribution to the successful Airbus A380 flight thanks to the support of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands . Read the Diecam press release to see how their revolutionary technology helped the inaugural flight of the Airbus A380.

 

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High Arcal School and MAS-WM manufacture future engineers

Budding young engineers at High Arcal School - Sedgley are gearing up for a week on the shop floor with the assistance of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands . In excess of 150, year 7 students are making ready for a week in industry as they prepare to manufacture full-size wooded bird boxes on a volume production basis. This is part of the school's end of term activity week and guarantees to provide the youngsters with a valuable insight into the basic principles of manufacturing.

 

David Stevens – Head of Design and Technology said:

 

‘Students are looking forward to producing the bird boxes. It is a fantastic opportunity for year 7 pupils to manufacture a real-life product in a fun and educational way. The week has a strong link to the work of the Specialist Science College and has been designed so that students learn about both the production and the commercial aspects of manufacturing'.

 

The manufacturing activity week is being supported by the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands as part of their commitment to raising the profile of manufacturing in the region. MAS-WM Manufacturing Advisor - Trevor Jeavons said:

 

‘Highlighting manufacturing as a career option to the younger generation is fundamental to the future of manufacturing in the UK . Today's school children are tomorrow's engineers. It is a credit to the school that they have the necessary skills and expertise to run an activity of this kind'

 

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MG Rover Response: Help for the Supply Chain

MAS-WM announces that the DTI and Advantage West Midlands have made support available through the Accelerate unit at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce for companies who are a supplier of components to MG Rover vehicles or Powertrain either directly or indirectly through the supply chain.

 

The support package is intended to provide breathing space immediately and, in the longer term, develop new opportunities. The support package can be accessed by contacting a special helpline on 0121 607 0121 (opening hours 09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri and 09:00-13:00 Saturday). You will be in direct contact with Birmingham Chamber of Commerce who has a team of advisors ready to help with your queries.

 

Suppliers may also visit www.rover-response.info for more information.

 

UKAEA Fusion Working With Europe. Supplier of Choice for the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor. (ITER)

UK industry has played an active role in the development of the fusion research programme at the UKAEA Culham Science Centre. We continually rely on companies to provide plant and equipment along with their technical expertise.

 

Our next big challenge is to identify and assist UK companies to compete for international supply contracts for the construction and operation of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER). The €4.5 Bn ITER project ( www.iter.org ) is the next step in fusion research and will be one of the world's largest international co-operative research and development projects. A final decision on the location of ITER in either Japan or France is expected in the next couple of months. The role of UKAEA Fusion and Industry ( www.fusion.org.uk/industry ) is to ensure that UK industry makes the most of the business opportunities arising from the forthcoming ITER project.

 

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