Web: www.swmas.co.uk  •  Email: info@swmas.co.uk  •  Telephone: 0845 608 3838  •  Case Studies

Contents

Welcome

Arthur Richardson

Leaders of the Future

Much has been said about the way in which manufacturing is changing from a resource to a knowledge-based industry. But a lot less has been covered about how successful leaders within manufacturing will need to change over the coming years if they are to make the most of future opportunities. In short, what skills or characteristics will be essential for tomorrow’s manufacturing leaders?

We believe that businesses will need bosses that embody the attributes that they are trying to champion in their people. Manufacturing leaders need to be dynamic and flexible, able to motivate workers, think strategically and sometimes "out of the box" as well being able to draw ideas out of their teams. In particular, as the UK manufacturing scene embraces new markets and innovates its core offering, our leaders will need to become people of vision.

For this reason, the South West MAS has developed its new Operational Leadership programme. We recognise that the development of the region’s managers is critical to the future of the industry and we want to hone a new generation of leaders and role models. If you would like more information about the programme which has a limited number of places, please contact us.

We cannot afford to overlook our people, our most prized asset.

Arthur Richardson
Director
South West MAS

The South West MAS would like to hear from you. If you have any comments, queries or manufacturing messages, write to us at info@swmas.co.uk. Each ‘Letter of the Month' will be awarded a copy of John Bicheno's book ‘The Lean Toolbox', so get in touch now!

Case Study

Cornish super yacht manufacturer sailing towards a Lean Future

Yacht

Falmouth-based Pendennis Shipyard was founded in 1988 to cater for an appetite for top-of-the-range yachts. It employs 250 craftsmen and has become famous, not only for its technologically advanced and luxuriously appointed yachts, but also for its expertise in using aluminum for one-off, non-marine commissions, such as the media centre at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Pendennis is constantly faced with unique, high-end specifications which involve stringent project management, tight delivery timescales and sometimes, late design changes by customers. Unlike most other manufacturers with repeat orders and production lines, the nature of Pendennis’ work is high value and low volume which means that inefficiencies can be very expensive for the business.

Pendennis called on the South West MAS to help it respond to growing demand whilst maintaining its reputation for the delivery of bespoke, highly-specialised boats, on time to its global client base.

To read this story in full click here.

For more information on support available from the South West MAS, call our helpdesk on 0845 608 3838 or email enquiries@swmas.co.uk

News

New programme to develop exceptional manufacturing leaders

Pyramid

This month, the South West MAS will launch its new Operational Leadership programme. Developed to help first line managers lead, manage and motivate people, it is much more than a normal training course. It is an action-based, development programme with measurable outcomes, culminating in the delivery of a work-based project.

It is a fast paced, fun, down-to-earth programme for managers who are eager to get more from their people and shop floor processes and improve their own management and manufacturing skills. Participants will boost their confidence and ability to lead people, while finding out how to put new process improvement techniques into action.

Delegates will be assessed on a one-to-one basis and will identify an in-company project that will require them to operate outside their normal arena and comfort zone.

Places are limited to 8–10 people per programme with only four programmes starting this year. The cost per delegate is between £1,250-£2,100, depending on the number of employees in the company.

For more information, contact Jackie Howard at olp@swmas.org.uk.

Factory-gate prices rising at fastest rate since last June

National Statistics

New figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that manufacturers are pushing up their prices at the fastest rate for 10 months.

The Office for National Statistics said "core" factory-gate prices jumped a bigger-than-expected 0.5 per cent in February, the largest gain since last April. That pushed the year-on-year rate of increase up from 2.5 to 2.7 per cent, the strongest since last June. The main cause of the rise was the price of scrap metal, which shot up on the back of soaring demand from China and India.

Analysts said the figures, which drove sterling higher, show manufacturers are regaining pricing power, thanks to stronger demand. Although official data last week showed factory output fell in January, most industry surveys suggest the manufacturing recovery is gathering pace.

Manufacturers' raw material costs also rose by 1.3 per cent on the back of another surge in crude oil prices but that still left them 1 per cent lower than a year ago. Overall factory gate inflation also came in above expectations, remaining at 2.2 per cent against predictions of a fall to 2.1 per cent.

A Week to celebrate British Industry

Science & Engineering Week

This week is National Science & Engineering Week (NSEW) – a great opportunity to shout about the contribution that manufacturing engineers are making to the region.

Arthur Richardson, director of the South West MAS, said: “Often an overlooked sector, the engineering industry is very important to the South West economy. In terms of employment for example, advanced engineering is the second largest sector in the region, employing 60,000 people and generating over £3 billion annually.

“Traditionally both manufacturing and engineering have been stalwarts of British industry, and our main offering on a global stage. As economies like China and India pump out graduates in these sectors, the UK needs to make sure it does not fall behind.

“NSEW will aid the cause by encouraging and inspiring people to get involved in science and engineering, particularly the younger generations. Such initiatives encourage new blood into the industry, helping UK manufacturing and engineering to flourish over the next 20 years.

Arthur added: “We need to educate young people and change their perception of manufacturing. With courses such as the Foundation Degree in Lean Manufacturing and Processing, launched by the South West MAS, the next generation can look forward to great career opportunities offered by forward-thinking manufacturers in the region.”

National Science and Engineering Week takes place from 9-18 March 2007. For further information click here.

Noisy workplaces transformed

Soundguard

Rob Shaddick is an audiologist and runs his own business, Soundguard, which provides custom hearing protection and noise and vibration consultancy services for industry. Here he informs manufacturers what they must do to meet European Union noise regulations.

The World Health Organisation reports that Noise Induced Hearing Loss is the most common, irreversible occupational hazard in the world. An estimated two million people in the UK are exposed to harmful noise levels at work and according to the Association of British Insurers, noise exposure accounts for approximately 80 per cent of occupational disease claims up until 1997.

Excessive noise exposure can result in hearing damage as well as a greater chance of developing hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. So what should manufacturers be doing now that tighter Control of Noise at Work Regulations have come into effect?

To read this story in full click here.

For more information, visit www.soundguard.co.uk