£1.7m productivity boost for West Midlands’ auto suppliers

Automotive suppliers in the West Midlands are being urged to take part in a groundbreaking £1.7m initiative that will boost productivity and increase global competitiveness. Run by The Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MAS-WM), in partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - Industry Forum (SMMT-IF), the Midlands Productivity Alliance (MPA) project is yet another boost to the region’s supply chain and will help companies drive down lead times, reduce waste and stock and embrace best practice techniques.

The programme, which is funded by

Advantage West Midlands, features a hands-on package of support, including Master Class Improvement Workshops that have been designed specifically by manufacturers and the SMMT IF to help firms establish themselves as first choice suppliers to the world’s car producers. Fresh from a recent visit to the Far East, MPA Project Manager Alan Lord said: “MPA calls upon the experience of SMMT IF Master Engineers and incorporates seconded engineers specifically trained to deliver the very latest in Lean Manufacturing techniques.

“Having recently observed a sea of manufacturing best practice in Japan, I am confident that participating companies will benefit from the transferring of valuable skills and knowledge from expert engineers.” He added; “The programme has already received interest from suppliers across the region, all keen to improve their operational efficiency and become more competitive. The sustainable benefit of this approach is that productivity improvements are continuously monitored and reinforced through regular contact.”

Arthur David, SMMT Industry Forum Director, reinforced this message: “The West Midlands has suffered heavy losses in the automotive sector with closure or downscaling by car makers and this has had a knock-on effect throughout the supply chain. I believe we can move forward from adversity to advantage by helping industry in the region address the practical needs of closing the productivity and skills gaps.”

GKN Autostructures Ltd, the Telford-based first tier supplier of components and systems, will be one of several prestigious companies seconding engineers to the programme. Master Engineers and industry secondees will come together to help companies in the region to successfully implement sustainable quality, cost and delivery improvements throughout the supply chain. A best practice visit to Japan later in the year will also feature as part of the programme, with all participants set to receive NVQ qualifications in Business Improvement Techniques when completed.

If you are part of the automotive supply base in the West Midlands and feel that your company could benefit from this highly focussed, intensive specialist support, please contact the MAS-WM helpdesk on 0845 245 0845.