WMG support programme hits 100 new-job milestone

AN innovation support programme developed by the WMG at the University of Warwick has helped to create its 100th job.

The International Institute for Product and Service Innovation was launched by the manufacturing group in September 2012. Alongside this, it has also helped to create a further 45 jobs and establish seven new businesses.

The ERDF-funded innovation programme helps SMEs solve specific manufacturing, product development and business process challenges. It also offers a range of interactive workshops; collaborative networking events and specialist internships, helping firms embed the skills and processes they need to innovate and to grow their businesses.

The 100th job was secured at Coventry-based Region Services Ltd, which develops and supplies public information systems, such as interactive terminals, broadcast screens and smart ticketing machines.

The WMG SME Team collaborated with the firm to develop a prototype system which involved creating a number of different 3D printed parts.  The prototype is now being prepared for production and will lead to new business for RSL.

Peter Cieslak, Head of Product Development & Procurement at RSL said: “We have had a very positive experience working with the SME Team at WMG. We were able to produce a large complex prototype to evaluate which is now in production, leading to jobs secured and created in our business. We are delighted that this particular project has contributed to 100 jobs now being secured in the West Midlands region.”

WMG’s Dr Mark Swift said: “The businesses that work with us gain access to the very latest in product and service design technology and can work with WMG’s academic experts to help embed new capabilities into their businesses, leading to the creation and testing of market-leading products and services.”