EEF strengthens business support team with new consultant

MANUFACTURING organisation EEF has appointed a specialist sector consultant to head up its new Manufacturing Growth Unit in Birmingham.
 
The new unit is aimed at helping non-SME companies in the West Midlands that cannot gain Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) funding due to their size or connections with a larger group. The team will also deliver MAS-funded offerings, with two of its senior members being MAS registered associates.

Ian King is joining EEF’s business services team and advising member and non-member companies to help them improve productivity, quality, delivery and morale in a wide range of manufacturing sectors.

With 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and 10 years in consulting small and large automotive, aerospace and general engineering firms on increasing productivity and efficiency, EEF said King was particularly skilled in helping companies’ employees see the benefits of change for themselves.

King is also a Member of the Institute of Operations Management and will be bringing a range of Quality Problem Solving and Manufacturing Management expertise to the new business services team.

His previous roles have included Supply Chain Improvement Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Supplier Value Management Engineer, Shift Manager and Engineering Manager.
 
Dr Steve Chicken, EEF’s Manufacturing Growth Director said: “We are pleased to welcome Ian to the team. This new EEF offering complements the Manufacturing Advisory Service and ensures that a broad range of efficiency improvement support is available to manufacturers in the West Midlands, be they small or large.”
 
Richard Halstead, EEF’s Regional Director for the Midlands said: “I am delighted to have such a skilled lean practitioner and trainer as Ian in our Birmingham office – every manufacturing company can be more efficient in some way and Ian can certainly help EEF members and non-members on their continuous improvement journey. ”