Manufacturing
News
28 July 2009 07:05 A significant package of measures to help UK manufacturers seize the opportunities provided by emerging technologies was launched today by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. Investment totalling £151.5 million has been announced as part of the Government’s targeted strategies for key sectors and markets. It will expand access to information, encourage take up of new technologies and address specific challenges faced by the aerospace sector. Advanced Manufacturing describes businesses which use a high level of design or scientific skills to produce technologically complex products and processes. Because of the specialised requirements involved, these are usually goods and associated services of high value. Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said: “At the heart of Britain’s knowledge economy is our manufacturing base. High-value, highly skilled and internationally successful businesses that have worked hard to secure a lead in hi-tech global supply chains. “This practical package of measures will help equip British manufacturers, of all sizes and sectors, to take advantage of the advanced technologies and new market opportunities now shaping our low carbon industrial future. “It’s about giving them the support they need to create jobs in Britain and export the best of British manufacturing design, technology, skills and innovation around the world”. These investments in plastic electronics, the nuclear supply chain, aerospace, and silicon design are another important step towards the Government’s vision for our economic future – as set out in New Industry New Jobs. Key new measures include: · A total of £45 million funding to Rolls-Royce, which will see four new advanced manufacturing facilities built in the UK – three in aerospace and one civil nuclear - creating and sustaining around 800 jobs; · The provision of £45 million from the low carbon element of the Strategic Investment Fund to support research and technology critical to the development of low carbon aircraft engine technology. This will be led by Rolls-Royce; · At least £40 million investment in SAMULET Research and Technology programme – a collaborative aerospace project focussing on productivity and environmental improvements – with £28.5 million from the Technology Strategy Board, £11.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and further support under discussion with regional bodies; · A £12 million expansion of the Printable Electronics Centre in Sedgefield which focuses on display technology, creating up to 1,500 jobs by 2014; · The Technology Strategy Board will invest a further £5 million in collaborative R&D projects as part of its High Value Manufacturing competition, in addition to the £24 million invested earlier this year; · A £4 million expansion of the highly successful Manufacturing Advisory Service to help a wider range of businesses improve efficiency and increase orders (in addition to the £4 million expansion announced as part of the Low Carbon Industrial Strategy); · Investment of £500,000 to support the development of a Centre of Excellence for Silicon Design in the South West; The new Rolls-Royce advanced manufacturing plants will produce wide-chord fan blades for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, disks in advanced alloys for fans and turbines of aero-engines, single crystal blade castings for high temperature aero-engine turbines, and components for civil nuclear. The Government’s investment in Britain’s advanced manufacturing capabilities is a continuing process. The work described in this document will build on measures already in place and be followed with further proposals in the coming months. 1) The Department for Business Innovation and Skills will promote open and competitive markets, proportionate regulation, an enterprise and innovation culture, skilled people, thriving universities, life-long learning and world-class science, technology and research. 2) A copy of Advanced Manufacturing – Building Britain’s Future and a social media news release with photos and video can be found here: 3) This work on Advanced Manufacturing builds on the government’s 2008 Manufacturing Strategy and the New Industries, New Jobs strategy of April 2009, in which the government set out its broad framework for supporting the development of new industries and new jobs in Britain. Links to these documents can be found here: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47660.pdf http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51023.pdf 4) Recent measures that will benefit manufacturers include: · The creation of the UK Innovation Investment Fund, announced in June 2009 will address the problems faced by technology-based companies in accessing equity finance. Based on a cornerstone investment of £150m from the Government, this investment will create a Fund of Funds that will leverage additional funding from the private sector, with the aim of building this into a £1bn fund over 10 years. The UKIIF will invest in underlying technology funds that will invest in companies in sectors such as the life sciences, ICT, low carbon and high value manufacturing. · The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, launched in July, has announced a £4m expansion of the Manufacturing Advisory Service to provide specialist advice to manufacturers on competing for low carbon opportunities, including support for suppliers for the civil nuclear industry. A copy of the strategy can be found here: http://www.hmg.gov.uk/lowcarbon · The creation of industrial biotechnology (IB) open access demonstrator facilities at Wilton in the North East of England with £12 million BIS investment. Additionally, Regional Development Agency One North East has earmarked £1.5 million to secure the day-to-day running of the new site for its first two years and to help strategic partners in the region to access the facilities. These new national facilities will help to identify and deliver new processes, materials and products; and help the translation of novel ideas into new products. It is planned that the new IB open access demonstrator facilities will be fully operational by October-December 2010. · A £750 million Strategic Investment Fund for backing business to come out stronger from the downturn was announced in Budget 2009. The fund for “New Industry, New Jobs” fund will be available to BIS over two years, (£400 million 2009/10; £350 million 2010/11) to meet immediate business needs. 5) For media enquiries only, contact Matt Barker in the BIS press office on 020 7215 5946. 6) For media enquires relating to Rolls Royce, contact Nicky Louth-Davies in the Rolls-Royce press office on 020 7227 9232. Contacts NDS Enquiries
As Good as New: Product Design and RemanufactureAdvanced Manufacturing – Building Britain’s Future
Notes to editors
http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/advancedmanufacturing/
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Casper Gray and Damiel Jones, Directors, Wax RDC
20th July 2009 12:00 to 14:00 Univeristy for the Creative Arts, Farnham UK
Organised by SMILE @ The Centre for Sustaiable Design. www.cfsd.org.uk
Abstract Increasingly stringent Extended Producer Responsibility legislation is making the consideration of End-of-Life (EoL) treatment a priority for designers, manufacturers, recyclers and governments across the globe. Common EoL treatments such as the shredding of products for recycling can result in low value recyclate streams and does not extract the maximum value from EoL products.
Remanufacture is an exciting strategy for the profitable and environmentally sensitive treatment of EoL products. A remanufacturing system collects EoL products, returns them to their original condition then retails them at an as-new price. Remanufacture results in the extension of a product’s life and promotes the re-use of components and materials. It is a means of generating profits, preventing waste and conserving valuable natural resources.
Wax is a design consultancy with experience in developing products and systems optimised for remanufacture. Wax uses their unique D4Reman process to enable organisations to understand and implement remanufacturing systems, focused on maximising long-term Return-on-Investment whilst making significant environmental improvements.
This talk will explain Remanufacture and how powerful design strategies such as Design for Remanufacture and Design for Disassembly can be used to facilitate its implementation.
Biographies Casper Gray (Director)
Casper has developed unique, practical skills in commercial eco-design through working on projects with clients including CfSD
(The Centre for Sustainable Design), Clarks, UCA (University for the Creative Arts) and Active Disassembly Research Ltd.
These skills include setting up eco-design projects, design for remanufacture, stakeholder engagement, brainstorming, financial assessment (Return on Investment), LCT (Lifecycle Thinking) and streamlined LCA (Lifecycle Assessment). He is experienced at presenting eco-design implementation at national and international conferences, is an Envirowise eco-design advisor and a member of the Brazilian Design & Sustainability Research Centre’s International Scientific Committee. Casper has written on areas of sustainable design for journals and books both individually and collaboratively with authors including Martin Charter and Jason DePerro.
Previous to setting up Wax, Casper worked with CfSD as an eco-design researcher and with Lightweight Medical, Giraffe Innovation and Sawaya & Moroni (Milan) as a Design Associate.
Damien Jones (Director)
Damien Jones is experienced in project management and client liaison with SMEs and on behalf of large EU-funded projects such as the ReFLATED LCD recycling project. He also has experience in sustainable technology and materials research and has produced engaging presentations to demonstrate project findings for clients such as Last shoes. Prior to setting up Wax, Damien worked with Exoteq for two years to design and develop the Meos Mobile Broadband handset and user interface. Damien continues to work closely with Exoteq and has developed websites, packaging and marketing material for them. Damien teaches eco-design, CAD and rapid prototyping at UCA and Kingston University. Before entering the product design sector, Damien trained and worked as mechanical engineer and he applies this technical background to his industrial design work at Wax.
Download application form http://www.cfsd.org.uk/smile/PDR-Booking-Form.doc
News from Hub partner, MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service)
6 April 2009
MAS South East Teams up with Goldratt UK
Manufacturers across the South East region are set to benefit from an exclusive one-day event focused on how to rapidly generate cash and accelerate growth, despite the current economic crisis.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East has teamed up with Goldratt UK and the Institute of Directors (IoD) to offer all small to medium sized manufacturers the opportunity to attend a unique one-day training seminar entitled 'Secure the Future' with internationally recognised leader in the development of new business management philosophies and systems, Dr Goldratt.
On 19 May at the IoD on Pall Mall in London Dr Goldratt will demonstrate how to put the spark back into manufacturing companies by discussing the following three key factors to any successful business; how to Rapidly Generate Cash required for stability, how to Build and Capitalise upon a Decisive Competitive Edge and perhaps most importantly, how to Make it Happen.
Using the Theory of Contraints (TOC), Dr.Goldratt will help manufacturers determine what constrains a business from generating cash and ongoing growth in sales and profits, how to develop the necessary skills to overcome internal and external contraints whilst protecting against changing market conditions and finally how to achieve immediate bottom-line results.
One MAS South East customer already benefiting from Goldratt's TOC is Kent-based HV Wooding, manufacturers of precision engineered components and assemblies for a number of industry sectors. Harry Wooding, Managing Director, said:
"Our major customer disclosed that only one member of its 17,000-strong supply base, HV Wooding, were able to satisfy the key requirements of reliable deliveries, shortening lead-times and reducing batch sizes. This is directly attributable to TOC."
David Caddle, Programme Manager, MAS South East, said:
"During such a difficult economic period for all industries, particularly the manufacturing sector, it is essential to maintain and exploit a 'competitive advantage' which is why MAS South East is committed to assisting manufacturers across the region to ensure that even in economic downturns they can find ways to improve their bottom line."
He continued:
"MAS South East has teamed up with Goldratt UK to support those companies looking for solutions to combat a slow down in customer orders, shrinking profits and the availability of capital in order to fully secure the future success of the UK manufacturing community."
For information and to book to your place at this exclusive one-day event please visit http://www.goldratt.co.uk/iodevent/index.html or telephone 01243 834 510. Directors of small and medium sized UK enterprises that have between 5 and 249 employees now have the opportunity to claim a £500 grant to spend on leadership development, funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
Anglepoise is an excellent example of a small manufacturing company adopting the principles behind lean manufacturing, following invaluable guidance from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East, in order to effectively negotiate the economic downturn.
Anglepoise, based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been creating table lamps for over 70 years, priding itself on a British design classic that has stood the test of time and redefined the versatility of a table lamp, regardless of its intended use.
Currently celebrating 75 years of the first 1227 Anglepoise® lamp, business at Anglepoise is flourishing with the re-launch of the original lamp, which recently featured on a Royal Mail stamp celebrating ten British Design Classics, and the on-going dedication and commitment for continuous product improvement by developing a cultural change towards lean manufacturing by empowering all staff to be involved in the company's future.
Simon Terry, Managing Director, Anglepoise, said:
"We are a leading brand in the manufacture of table lamps in the UK and across the world and we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality product whilst offering value for money. However, with the economic uncertainty surrounding all businesses, particularly those within the manufacturing sector, it is important to invest time and resources in looking at ways of improving bottom line performance resulting in a stronger competitive position for when the economy does recover."
MAS South East worked with Anglepoise to start the journey towards lean manufacturing, initially focusing on one area of production, the manufacture of the Giant Lamp. Working with Simon Terry and his 12 employees, Roger Dyer, MAS South East Specialist, created an intensified manufacturing simulation, demonstrating the effects of unnecessary waste on production throughput and the benefits of lean techniques in accelerating flow and reducing effort on employees.
Roger then worked with two of Anglepoise's production staff to undertake process mapping of the Giant Lamp manufacture – to identify all the steps and decisions involved in the manufacturing process and an action plan was put together based around the elimination of wasteful activity and workplace organisation.
Movement around the shopfloor has been reduced from 300metres to 38metres to make a Giant Anglepoise Lamp and ergonomic workbenches have been installed to reduce fatigue, discomfort and injury, thereby increasing production efficiency – an aspect of production that is often neglected.
New Growth for Design Room
The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, WMG and IMechE inaugural lecture - April 21st
Designers and manufacturers of bespoke soft furnishings, Design Room, are fighting back against the current recession having successfully maintained profitability and increased turnover by 15 per cent.
Following guidance from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East, Ann Esberger and Sue Manning, owners of the Hampshire based business, are now confident of the journey ahead of them.
Design Room called upon the services of MAS South East when their pipeline of work was shrinking for the first time since the business was started by Ann back in 1993. Ann had concerns over being able to break even as a result of falling sales, a reflection of the current economic climate, and their client base becoming more cautious over non-essential expenditure.
Sylvain Briand, MAS South East Specialist, worked closely with Ann and Sue and advised they could no longer rely solely on word of mouth recommendations, their traditional route to market. A one-day workshop took place to allow Sue and Ann the opportunity to step back from the business, identify new customer streams, develop a practical business strategy to increase the company's turnover and plan a way forward.
Sylvain said:
"The workshop allowed Ann and Sue time to sit down and really compare their business offering with the competition whilst identifying its unique selling points and realistic growth opportunities. We reviewed their profit and loss accounts to understand profitability levels and defined top level objectives for the future. A draft model of case studies and covering letters were also prepared for potential new customers."
Ann said:
"Sylvain inspired us to become much more positive on the selling front promoting our USPs and managed to inject enthusiasm in us at just the right time. We have joined forces with other local businesses with a view to having our curtains and leaflets displayed and are in talks with an upholsterer about a curtains display. We are currently very busy with new orders, deliveries and visiting new clients, which is great…I do wonder if the 'buy cheap and replace next year' has changed and people are wanting to buy quality and keep for the long term."
Ann started the business making bespoke curtains, cushions and other fabric-made products but joined forces with business partner Sue in 2000. Converting most quotes into sales, the reputation of the company is going from strength to strength, so much so that ITV recently asked Design Room to produce a number of cushions for one of its home improvement programmes – a challenge that was completed within 48 hours of the initial request.
Media enquiries:
Charlotte Lockwood, Account Manager
Harvest Marketing Communications
Tel: 023 9244 9655
Email: charlotte.lockwood@harvestpr.co.uk
MAS South East
Originally set up by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), MAS is now a programme of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).
The BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in the South East provides straightforward advice and practical support to improve manufacturing competitiveness.
Funded by SEEDA and delivered by EEF, the Regional Centre of Manufacturing Excellence, with the support of the Business Link network, SEEDA regards MAS as one of its key initiatives aimed at providing support to the manufacturing sector.
The MAS South East supports manufacturers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex. Manufacturers can reach MAS South East Specialists by calling the Information Desk on 0845 609 2121, by visiting www.mas-se.org.uk or by emailing info@mas-se.org.uk
Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya Head of WMG, The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing and IMechE inaugural lecture.
21st April 2009, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London
A Green Path to Economic Growth?
Joint IMechE and the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing Free Evening Lecture/Webcast
21 April 2009
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London
Registration and refreshments: 5:15pm
Lecture commences: 6:00pm
Book online: www.imeche.org/events/l98
Can't make it in person?
Watch it online on 22 April with Playback, our online catch up service. Bookmark www.playitback.org now.
Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya KB CBE, Director and Founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group, contends that in order to address both the skills and green agendas, we must invest immediately.
In his lecture, he will discuss how through creating a symbiotic relationship between Academia and industry, and investing now in skills, technology and research, we can at once grow the economy and preserve the environment.
Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya has published extensively in the field of manufacturing and is advisor to many companies and organisations around the world. With many honours to his name, he was awarded a knighthood in 2003 for services to higher education and industry and was elevated to the Lords in 2004.
The lecture will take place at IMechE, One Birdcage Walk, London, 21 April 2009 and will be run in conjunction with the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing.
Booking is essential, register online for free now at: www.imeche.org/events/l98
Tel: +44 (0)20 7304 6837
Plastipack Limited: Amongst all the doom and gloom there is some good news. Innovation in the swimming pool cover market is leading the way in helping to meet these challenges. As a result, three new products have been launched by Hastings-based Plastipack designed to help tackle the problems faced by commercial and domestic pool and reservoir owners around the world.
Independent scientific testing of innovative swimming pool covers manufactured by Plastipack has proved that a number of benefits can be achieved including
-
Inhibiting algae growth by stopping light entering the pool
-
Reducing energy consumption by over 50%
-
Reducing filtration or pump time by up to 50%
-
Absorbing the sun's energy
-
Reducing chemical consumption by up to 60%
-
Saving money by reducing water, energy, cleaning and chemical costs
-
Eliminating water evaporation by 98%
-
Reduce debris contamination
Plastipack is an independent manufacturer of energy and resource saving products. It specialises in swimming pool and water storage cover materials that are sold in roll form to fabricators around the world for commercial and domestic use.
www.plastipack.co.uk
The Hub has helped Plastipack in a number of ways including providing introductions to potential clients, market research, researcher development support, export assistance and funding advice.
Solar UK recycled building at Battle Sussex has a negative carbon footprint.
SolarUK: Most people recycle cans and bottles. On a grander scale Solar UK are recycling a large industrial building and turning it in to a solar research , development and manufacturing centre just outside Battle in Sussex. What resembled a B&Q shed is now a unique 17 sided structure.
The original building was a public service vehicle training facility at Coventry City College.
Built in 2002 it was due for demolition last year to make way for housing in the city. Solar UK director Geoff Fox saw an advert for salvage from the building advertised on Ebay and agreed to buy the entire structure.
It was dismantled over a period of several weeks last spring and transported on 36 trucks to a new site at North Trade Rd in Battle. Every single part of the building was saved right down to the door handles.
The old timber yard at the junction of Catsfield road had planning permission for a simple large rectangular building but this was abandoned in favour of an ambitious plan to redesign what was a giant jigsaw in to what Solar UK believe is the only 17 sided building in Europe.
Ground works were designed so that no material left the site during construction. Underfloor insulation has been recycled from a giant refridgerated unit that was demolished at Gatwick airport and was destined for landfill.
All rainwater will be collected in a large moat or swale at the front of the building and this will be recycled for use throughout the building.
Electricity will come from a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels while hot water will be supplied by Solar UK Lazer trackers.
The exterior will be clad in dark green polished granite while the roof will feature a glazed pyramid.
Completion is due in late summer.
NOTES FOR THE EDITORS:
High resolution images are available. Example images can be viewed on this webpage
MAS South East Switches on Anglepoise’s Lean Journey
Grants and Funding
Enterprise Finance Guarantee: Enterprise Finance Guarantee offers a means of obtaining finances for small businesses that cannot otherwise do so by providing a government guarantee against default by borrowers. The scheme enables banks and other financial institutions to lend money for projects which would otherwise present to great a financial risk.
For more information, click here Enterprise Finance Guarantee)
Capitalise for Enterprise Fund: To help businesses raise long term Finance, the Capital for Enteprise Fund offers investment in viabale companies which have high levels of existing debt.
For more information, click here: Capitlaise for Enterprise Fund
Facing up to the Callenges of Economic Recession: A package of increased support and funding for manufacturers' in the South East.
For more information, click here: Support for Manufacturers
Brokerage Offer: £cash support to help develop your business: The Manufacturing Advisory Service is currently offering up to £1250 matched funding towards specliast services that will improve your business.
For more information, click here: Brokerage Offer
SME Training Fund Information Sheet: Apply if your business is:
1. A Small or Medium size Enterprise (i.e. no sole traders0
2. Based in Hastings or Bexhill
3. Not a previous recipient of the SME Training Fund
4. Older than a year
For more information, click SME Training Fund
Train to Gain
Through our Leadership & Management programme, owners, managers and company directors have a great oppurtunity to apply for funding to help develop business leadership skills.
We are offer £1000 to companies in the South East with 5-249 staff.
For more information, click Train to Gain
Case Study
Insert text in here...