Manufacturing collaboration results in orders worth more than £2m
Projects developed in collaboration by two of the Midlands’ biggest manufacturing organisations have generated orders worth more than £2m.
The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) is a network of eight specialist sub-contractors, together with an engineering design agency. It has successfully worked with WMG, at the University of Warwick, to create the new products.
MAN chairman Tony Hague said the ability to tap into the academic body’s specialist knowledge and put staff through the latest development courses had been crucial to the group improving operational performance and bridging the skills gap.
The collaboration meant MAN members were able to access technology and equipment at WMG that otherwise they simply would not have been able to afford to install in their own facilities.
This has led to the introduction of new products, including a solderless connector and an earphone tidy.
“Universities and manufacturers aren’t always the easiest bedfellows and this means we usually miss out on some fantastic expertise and knowledge,” said Mr Hague, who is also managing director of PP Control & Automation.
“Our group is based on collaboration and we decided three years ago to extend that to bring in academic expertise – WMG stepped forward with the right approach and the right offer.
“They get what manufacturers need and have introduced us to some fantastic specialists in innovation, electrification and composite materials, not to mention the added advantage of being able to use equipment at its state-of-the-art International Institute for Product and Service Innovation, Energy Innovation Centre and Additive Layer Manufacturing facilities.
“So far, the support we have received has generated new contracts worth in excess of £2m and this has created 20+ jobs. There has also been a lot of softer benefits, including support with exhibitions, attending best practice events, signposting to funding and introductions to potential partners.”
Dr Mark Swift, Head of SME Programmes at WMG, said: “In just a few years, most enterprises and especially SMEs will be part of some form of collaborative network to help them remain competitive and move up the value chain.
“Within the manufacturing sector, there isn’t another collaborative network like the MAN Group. We have shared their vision to push the boundaries of innovation in the pursuit of competitive advantage and, as such, we have enjoyed three successful years as a strategic partner, delivering numerous benefits to the nine members.”
Established in 2006, MAN’s nine members employ more than 750 people, generate more than £70m in sales and are capable of offering every engineering discipline imaginable, including automation and control systems, casting, CNC machining, design and simulation, fabrication, forging, plastic injection moulding, PCB development and high volume pressings.
It currently exports to 40 different countries and, on average, invests £5m every year on training, infrastructure, factory extensions, new technology and R&D.
The constituent members of MAN are: Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, KimberMills International, Mec Com, Muller Holdings, PP Control & Automation and SMT Developments.
Pictured from left: Austin Owens (Grove Design), Rowan Crozier (Brandauer), Simon Broome (WMG), Matt Harwood (Barkley Plastics), Adam Cunningham (Muller Holdings), Tony Sartorius (Alucast), Mark Swift (WMG) and Geoff Turnbull (KimberMills International).
