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I have to admit I hate shopping, but I do lend a hand to put stuff away. And I’m increasingly shocked by the amount of excess disposable packaging this results in. In looking to Easter, for example, we spend more than £520m on Easter eggs, and in the process generate over 160 tons of foil waste and 4,370 tons of cardboard. Friends of the Earth has recently calculated that for every £1 spent on Easter eggs, another £1 is spent on the packaging.
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Plastic bags are also in the firing line but I suspect this is only a start. Bubble packs and cartons will be next and so attention will turn to other industrial goods, material and components. Whether you like it or not the writing is on the wall for manufacturers and attention is going to have to be given to carbon footprints and disposing of waste.
Addressing packaging and waste is certainly one way in which you can create a competitive edge with increasingly environmentally-minded customers. Manufacturers also have a golden opportunity to consider the type of materials they use and the way in which they transport products.
The whole life cycle of a product and its reuse or recyclability at the end of its life is becoming increasingly important. This is something that the Government is already addressing with initiatives such as the one featured later in this newsletter which is looking to eliminate inefficient consumer electronics.
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You can’t afford to ignore the turning tide but the good news is that there is a great support network in the South West to help you with these challenges. The National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), for example, supports manufacturers to divert waste from landfill and offer it to other businesses through the commercial trading of materials and the sharing of assets. Similarly, Envirowise and Envision could provide you with practical advice on reducing your environmental impact.
The MAS can point you in the right direction for support as well as help you think through your business strategy, understand changing market forces and work with you to build on and / or diversify your product range to make the most of new opportunities posed by the environmental lobby. So don’t delay. Call us now to find out how you can do your bit for the environment!
Arthur Richardson
Director
South West MAS
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Spotlight on Jason Loomes,
South West MAS’ new lean manufacturing specialist for Somerset
What is your role?
I work alongside fellow MAS specialist Charles Hill in Somerset to introduce manufacturers to lean manufacturing tools and techniques that deliver sustainable improvements.
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What excites you about your day-to-day work?
Getting to meet lots of different people from different types of industry and having the opportunity to coach and support them in their drive for operational excellence is extremely rewarding.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Knowing that I have succeeded in coaching people to a level of understanding where they can apply lean tools on their own to achieve tangible business improvement.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
My greatest achievement was being successful in my application for this role. It’s something I have wanted to do since learning about lean manufacturing.
What inspired you to work in manufacturing?
I have always wanted to work in manufacturing, and I had previously focused on the food industry in particular. Now my role for the MAS exposes me to many different industries allowing me to learn from them.
What hopes / concerns do you have about the future of manufacturing in the UK?
I think manufacturing in the UK has a great future ahead of it. We need to focus on our strengths, be flexible and adapt to change.
What piece of advice would you give to any manufacturing newcomers?
Learn as much as you can and always be open to new ideas.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my wife because we have two very energetic daughters, one only 6-weeks-old and they are a real handful!
Would you like to appear in next month’s e-Newsletter in the Spotlight section? We are looking for manufacturers who are willing to answer eight simple questions about their day-to-day role. More than 7,000 people worldwide read the monthly
e-Newsletter, so if you would like to share your thoughts on working in manufacturing or tell us more about your role, email the editorial team on info@swmas.co.uk
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MAS helps furniture makers go against the grain
For Somerset-based cabinet maker and designer, Halstock, a visit from the South West MAS has proved vital in boosting productivity by nearly 30 per cent and saving the company more than £90k.
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Halstock employs 30 people and specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality timber furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, libraries and other bespoke pieces.
The business was experiencing a loss of direction and staff morale was suffering as a result of the time it was taking for teams to complete their jobs, typically up to three months. The leadership team believed they if they complemented their traditional working practices with lean manufacturing processes they could significantly increase productivity. In order to do this, they called in the MAS.
To read more, click here
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MAS sparks fuse to phase out inefficient electronic goods
The MAS is urging South West electrical manufacturers to review processes and product lines before a new initiative to phase out energy-intensive consumer electronics goods is introduced.
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A partnership between the Government, the British Retail Consortium, the Energy Saving Trust, retailers and manufacturers has led to a proposal to promote more energy efficient consumer electronics products with the aim of developing commitments during 2008.
The gadget and consumer technology industry is growing year on year, and British consumer obsession in keeping up with the latest technology is not cheap. With over £12bn predicted to be spent every year on gadgets, such as MP3 players, home entertainment equipment, games consoles and digital televisions, it is no surprise that the breadth of electrical products which may be reviewed for efficient energy use is so vast.
In looking at TVs, around eight per cent of total UK TV energy consumption is from stand-by alone, and every year set-top boxes in the UK use around £285 million worth of electricity. In light of this, the Government is planning to phase out the most inefficient of electronics products and introduce products such as Energy Saving Recommended TVs, which have a built-in set top box - saving enough electricity to make around 2,000 mugs of tea a year.
Simon Howes, South West MAS specialist, says: "This initiative will see many companies looking at new ways of manufacturing electronic goods that significantly reduce energy use and promote more efficient choices to consumers."
To read more, click here
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Manufacturers dazzle at North Devon awards ceremony
Actavis and Lambda were the big winners at this year's North Devon Manufacturers Association (NDMA) awards in Barnstaple, scooping between them the Manufacturer of the Year; Best Team of the Year, and Best Transformation of the Year awards.
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| Manufacturer of the Year: left to right are Jimmy Jewell (NDMA Chairman),giving the award to Keith Daniels (Packing Operations Manager, Actavis) and Simon Adams (Manufacturing Manager, Actavis) |
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Tyco and Victoria Sawmills also received recognition in the most prestigious industry awards in the region, coming away with prizes for Apprentice of the Year; Innovative Idea of the Year, Sustainable Innovation Scheme of the Year and Trainee of the Year respectively.
As well as adding to companies’ trophy cabinets, the evening provided a unique opportunity for manufacturers, large and small, to rub shoulders with their contemporaries and celebrate operational excellence in North Devon.
To read more click here
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| You can now book your place at South West MAS events online. Simply visit the South West MAS website, provide your details and you will receive confirmation of your booking, be able to pay online and download maps and directions. You can also quickly see what events you’ve attended in the past. |
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>Workshop Organisation
- 5S Method Sort, Set, Shine, Standardise, Stick
Using the 5S method is the cornerstone that supports the development of an organised factory / facility and underpins a truly effective way of working. It can also be a critical starting point for other improvement activities that can all too often fail in an untidy or disorganised workplace.
This practical workshop, which will take place in Wiltshire & Gloucestershire in April and May, covers the principles of the 5S and demonstrates:
- the benefits of an organised workplace
- what an organised workplace looks like
- applying the concepts within your own business
- avoiding the pitfalls
- practical examples of successful implementation
To book your place online simply click on your workshop of choice below. |
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Wednesday 30th April 2008, Pembroke Arms Salisbury SP2 OBH |
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Thursday 1st May 2008, Beechfield House Hotel - Melksham SN12 7PU |
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Tuesday 13th May 2008, Old Bell Hotel - Malmesbury SN16 0BW |
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Thursday 15th May 2008, Cotswold Water Park Hotel - Cirencester GL7 5FP |
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Manufacturers |
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"The 5S workshop was informative and practical and a useful tool for any employee. You should be fighting for a place on this, or any other, course or workshop run by South West MAS"
Wendy Hall, Quality Technician, Oberthur Card Systems
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>WATCH THIS SPACE!
Starting Blocks for Olympic Tendering
The South West MAS is co-hosting workshops across the region, in partnership with Business Link, which will explore how manufacturers can submit a tender for Olympic work. The first one is in Cornwall on April 17, followed by an event in Dorset on May 8. If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with South West MAS at info@swmas.co.uk |
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Starts 17th April in Cornwall |
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Manufacturers |
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>South West Regional Technology Event
West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) is organising an event to present the progress of aerospace and defence technology programmes to the South West supply chain. The day will identify the barriers to develop technology and innovation throughout the supply chain and ‘signpost’ sources of help, advice and funding to enable technology developments.
For more information, call 01275 872 353 |
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Wednesday 19th March 2008, Ramada Plaza, Redcliffe Way, Bristol |
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9am–4.45pm |
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Manufacturers |
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WEAF member £35,
non-member £45 |
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>MACH 08
MACH is the UK’s premier manufacturing technologies event, encompassing metalcutting and metalforming machine tools along with all ancillary and related products and services.
For 2008, MACH will also incorporate MACHplus exhibitors from related industries and MACHconsult, industry advice from experts. MACH attracts over 500 exhibitors and in excess of 22,000 + visitors to each show and is the only place to find out what’s new in the marketplace.
Come see the MAS on stand 4780c (hall 4) or take part in one of our ‘5S’ and ‘Off Shore, Be Sure’ workshops running during the event.
For more information visit www.mach2008.com
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21-25 April 2008, NEC Birmingham |
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Manufacturers |
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MAS boosts its team in Dorset
The South West MAS has appointed a new specialist for Dorset, Nigel Jones, to provide dedicated support to the 2,000 manufacturing businesses in the county.
A former electronics graduate from the University of Brighton, Nigel is a veteran of the electronics sector, and brings with him more than 20 years’ experience working around the world for companies ranging from oilfield services supplier Schlumberger to automatic test equipment provider, Teradyne. More recently, he was the business improvement manager at illuminations manufacturer, James Wilson in Poole. |
| Nigel Jones at Hospital Metalcraft, Blandford Forum in Dorset |
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As a specialist, Nigel will be working with manufacturers from across Dorset, providing guidance and ‘hands-on’ support in the latest lean tools and techniques as well as offering strategic advice. He joins a team of ten equally experienced specialists at South West MAS who operate in each of the counties across the region.
Explains Nigel: "I am delighted to have been appointed to the role and look forward to putting my expertise to good effect, helping companies not only become more competitive but also showing them where they can innovate in order to gain a commercial advantage."
Adds Arthur Richardson, director at the South West MAS: "The arrival of Nigel Jones is a major boost for our work in the county. His vast experience, across a number of fields, will prove invaluable as we look to continue to share expertise with manufacturers in Dorset."
Outside of work, Nigel, who is based near Ringwood, is a keen motorcyclist, and often spends weekends as a senior trainer for his local Advanced Motorcycling Group.
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Royal Bath & West Show competition to produce a solar-powered wheelchair / scooter
The Royal Bath & West Show (RB&W) is inviting students and apprentices to design and produce an innovative and practical solar-powered wheelchair/scooter. Entries will be judged on 28 May at the RB&W show.
Energy to drive the vehicle should be derived by the sun’s rays which can be stored in on-board batteries or mechanical devices of any construction. Entry forms and full regulations concerning this competition can be obtained from the Royal Bath & West website at www.bathandwest.com. Entries close on 1 May 2008.
For further information, contact the Eco-zone Committee (Sustainable Transport), Royal Bath & West Show, Bowermead House, Whitstone Hill, Pilton, Somerset BA4 4DT on 01749890744 or w.southcombe@btopenworld.com
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Finding new ways to gain a competitive edge
The South West Innovation Relay Centre (SWIRC) brings companies, universities and research institutes together so that they can profit from each other's research, technology and expertise.
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Established by the European Commission in 1995, it has grown in to a network of nearly 300 offices. As part of the Innovation Relay Centre Network we have access to hundreds of technology partnering opportunities through our Technology Watch Service.
If you have technology to exploit or are looking for a technical solution, the Innovation Relay Centre can help create a technology partnering profile, locate potential partners, and guide you through the technology partnering process. For more information please contact Kenny Legg on Kenny.Legg@southwestrda.org.uk
Here are two current technology partnering opportunities:
Expertise and equipments for producing biodegradable packaging from corn
Reference: 08 RO ROSM 0JWF
A Romanian company wants to make a plant to produce biodegradable packaging (from corn - biopolymers like starch, corn husk, corn cob), a product that will come from renewable sources. Raw materials are affordable and abundant in the region. The Romanian partner is looking for equipment and expertise providers for biodegradable packaging. Type of collaboration sought is either commercial contract with technical assistance, or a joint venture with a European company already active on this market.
Waste Processing Technology
Reference: 08 GB SWRD 0JKA
A UK SME has developed a system that can reduce the volume of virtually any type of solid waste by as much as 400%. It’s quick, easy, infinitely adjustable, and it is the ideal system for landfill, recycling facilities, transfer station, gasification plants, incinerators, pyrolysis plants, scrap tyre processing. The system can be adjusted to handle any output size needed, from several inches down to microns. The company is looking for partners to further develop and license the product.
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"The 5S workshop was easy-to-understand, well-presented, and as someone who knew nothing about 5S, I can't wait to implement the ideas I have decided to carry out."
Louise Paul, Process Controller, Fielding Dairies
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South West Manufacturing Advisory Service - the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success
South West MAS is run in partnership with:
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©2008 South West Manufacturing Advisory Service www.swmas.co.uk. All rights reserved.
Chargrove House | Main Road, Shurdington Cheltenham Glos GL51 4GA | United Kingdom | Telephone +44 (0) 1242 864129 | Email info@swmas.co.uk
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