Experienced manufacturer catapulted in to head WMG body
WARWICK Manufacturing Group has selected the man who will head up its new High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.
Archie MacPherson brings more than 25 years’ experience in manufacturing to the role, having previously worked for IBM, ICL, Lucas Industries and Mettis Group with his work stretching across the Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Energy & Rail sectors.
He has held leadership roles in organisations covering family, public and private equity owned structures, while he is also a founding member of the Advanced Forming Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, and latterly CEO (of AFRC) from 2012 to 2016.
The WMG centre is focussed on collaborative research and development in the area of low carbon mobility. It has specialist expertise in Lightweight Materials, Advanced Propulsion Systems and Intelligent Mobility. The centre helps companies to improve their products, process and technologies by accelerating and de-risking the uptake of innovation.
Mr MacPherson, who previously studied at Harvard Business School, said: “I’m passionate about helping companies to improve their competiveness, and I’m looking forward to using my expertise to help convert the art and science of innovation into tangible results.”
He has previously held board positions with ALFED (the trade association for the Aluminium industry), MGTS (Midland Group Training Services), as well as positions on several sector-specific advisory committees. In addition, he worked with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government in developing an Innovation Strategy to support the Manufacturing sector in Scotland.
In his new role, he will also represent WMG on the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Management Board.
