SPECIAL REPORT: Manufacturing in the Midlands, Part 1

MANUFACTURING in the Midlands stands at a crossroads. After enduring one of the worst recessions in living memory hopes are high the sector may spearhead a recovery of the economy. In the first of a two part feature Duncan Tift looks at the issues facing the sector.

Manufacturing and the Midlands have been synonymous for so long now it could be almost impossible for one to exist without the other.

Both owe their success at least in some degree, to the other, and it has been said before and will be said again, when the manufacturing sector is healthy, the Midlands is healthy.

Equally, when the sector declines, the region suffers with it.

The past 18 months have tested the relationship to the extreme. However, they have endured and emerged at other end a little bit older, a little bit wiser and a lot tougher.

Two years ago things looked a lot different.

An unparalleled period of growth had transformed the fortunes of many firms and opportunities offered by the new emerging markets of the Middle and Far East, Eastern Europe and Latin America suggested the good times were here to stay.

However, the storm clouds of recession were gathering on the horizon and soon the whole edifice was brought crashing down.

Market streams were blocked as firms retrenched due to falling demand and the supply chain network crumbled as its weakest links were cruelly exposed.

The Automotive sector, traditionally one of the strengths of the region, sustained major damage with previously successful firms going out of business on a regular basis, robbing the region of skills and investment.

Any thoughts of expansion were snuffed out as funding became as hard to find as water on the Moon.

Against such a climate people could be forgiven for thinking there is no industry left at all – but they would be wrong.

The industry – and the region – has done what it has always done. It has knuckled down, refused to be beaten and with a mix of innovation and sheer bloody-mindedness has built itself back up so it is in the best shape for the future.

A fascinating glimpse of the health of the sector – and therefore the region – has been on display this week at the biennial MACH event, held at the National Exhibition Centre.

The trade show is an opportunity for the manufacturing sector to showcase itself to the world. The Midlands has a strong presence at the event – as it should.

Talking to the various exhibitors offers an important insight into the sector’s current mind-set and while economic indicators are predicting a manufacturing-led recovery, not everything in the garden is rosy – as I discovered when I toured the exhibition.

The MACH exhibition, organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association, was opened by The Duke of York, left, in his capacity as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The exhibition is recognised as the UK’s premier manufacturing technology event and this year will showcase new developments in metal-cutting, CAD/CAM, engineering lasers and rapid prototyping.

Since its inception in 2006 attendances have risen 22% and around 30,000 are expected to have visited the show when it ends tomorrow (Friday).

Any firm with aspirations to be a success in the sector is represented and many trade organisations and support bodies are also in evidence.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands is one of these bodies and in keeping with its special status has arranged a major stand – The Made in the Midlands Zone, left – showcasing the very best of the region’s manufacturing talent.

Simon Griffiths, MAS-WM chief executive, pictured top with AWM chief executive Mick Laverty, said the display had been well received.

“The diversity and quality of West Midlands’ manufacturing never ceases to amaze me and we have been able to put together a striking collective example of what the region is capable of, something we can showcase to the rest of the world,” he said.

“The Made in the Midlands Zone has created a real buzz about manufacturing in our region, providing a focal point for visitors to come and discover the vast range of skills and technical expertise we boast.

“Previously, our companies had been dotted all around the exhibition and often in small stands. By pooling resources, we have been able to cost effectively create a critical mass of talent, ranging from state-of-the-art coffee machines and world class robotics to a ten strong coalition of manufacturers.”

He said if visitors and buyers liked what they saw then this would increase the likelihood of business being retained in the West Midlands.

Firms represented on the stand are:
•    Laranca Engineering
•    KMF (Precision Sheet Metal)
•    KUKA Automation + Robotics
•    MAN (formerly Midlands Assembly Network)
•    Precision Micro  
•    Power Panels Electrical Systems  

• In the second part of Duncan Tift’s special report tomorrow the focus shifts to some of the region’s manufacturing success stories