£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.