In this newsletter

	Welcome from Martyn Pearson - manufacturing specialist MAS-SW
	Case study - RAM Gaskets
	Spotlight on Matthew Shaw, managing director of Barts Spices
	Events and Workshops
	News

'Productivity and competitiveness'... a phrase which conjures a variety of thoughts in the minds of manufacturers. And nine times out of 10 at the forefront of this thinking is the need to control Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) as it is these factors which drive any successful business to achieve sustainable continuous improvements to their bottom line.

In attempting to appreciate the value of QCD, I would always advise manufacturing businesses to consider using the following seven measures:

Not Right First Time (Internal)..... Record / track the number of rejects recorded within the process
Delivery Schedule Achievement..... Do all your products arrive at your customer's door on time?
Value Added per person..... Production recourses vs. sales turnover each month
People Productivity..... The recording of hours worked against products produced
Stock Turns..... The value of your stock vs. your monthly sales turnover.
Overall Equipment Effectiveness..... Comparing availability, performance & quality of your equipment
Floor Space Utilisation..... Calculate your production floor area vs. sales turnover

The case study featured in this month's e-Newsletter, RAM Gaskets in Cornwall, clearly demonstrates the value of the QCD approach. The results from the project allowed managing director John Hicks to identify specific areas of the business where a degree of focus was necessary. By targeting 'high impact' projects, adopted via the company's Business Improvement Techniques (BIT) students, the business has increased its on time delivery by 19 per cent.

There is no doubt that data capture and measure is vital for accurate decision making within any process and is key to maintaining productivity and competitiveness within the majority of sectors. It can be effective in addressing simple or complicated business processes and help benchmark against competitors. What have you got to loose? Have a go, it might just work!

Martyn Pearson
MAS-SW manufacturing specialist (Cornwall)

Case Study:

RAM Gaskets Managing Director John Hicks

Cornwall-based manufacturer PAC's a punch

Cornwall-based RAM Gaskets is ready to make the most of 2010, thanks to the help of the MAS-SW.

The business, which manufactures gaskets and provides sealing solutions for a wide range of industries across Europe now operates more efficiently and has increased its on time delivery by 19 per cent since it completed the Productivity and Competiveness Analysis (PAC) programme delivered by MAS-SW.

In order to help maintain lean changes and increase productivity, the business called on the MAS-SW to undertake the PAC programme which focuses on the seven key measures for improved quality, cost and delivery.

John Hicks, managing director for RAM Gaskets, said: "The PAC process has been a huge help in sorting our data into a useable resource which is directing us to different ways of working. Practical suggestions and systems have enabled us to improve our business, both in terms of customer delivery and productivity. This will impact positively on our bottom line in the current financial year."

To read more please click here

"The support and help we receive from MAS-SW is invaluable. Phil Townsend, MAS-SW specialist, has helped us immensely, not only to get this project underway but on an ongoing basis. He is always at the other end of the phone to advise and discuss manufacturing issues and visits regularly."
Bonny Pereira -managing director, Endeavour International

Spotlight:

Matthew Shaw, Managing Director, Barts Spices

Spotlight on Matthew Shaw

Managing director of Barts Spices, the UK's leading supplier of hand packed dry ingredients

What excites you about your day-to-day work?

The variety and excitement of dealing with so many different people and challenges - from customers to suppliers and helping to develop our teams. It is definitely fantastic people that excite me the most.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

I enjoy seeing the orders come in and calculating where we will end up versus our budgets for the month and year.

What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?

Our greatest achievement has been increasing the output and efficiency of our factory. We are making 20 per cent more pieces with the same levels of staff and this has been as a direct result of improvements in communication in the business.

On a day-to-day basis, what do you find frustrating about your work?

I get frustrated by people substituting communication with 'sending an email'. There is a time and a place for it, but I prefer the phone.

What inspired you to work in manufacturing?

I never set out to work in manufacturing, it happened as a result of starting in sales and I am learning every day about the industry.

What makes your company stand out from the rest? How do you beat the competition?

We stand out because we embrace many different packaging formats. We are able to compete on high volume low cost business but are also the UK's leading supplier of hand packed dry ingredients into retailers.

What hopes / concerns do you have about the future of manufacturing in the UK?

As long as we aspire to high quality products and set the benchmark, we will continue to have a thriving food manufacturing sector in the UK.

The multiple grocers have been instrumental in driving this quality agenda. We have massive opportunities if we can carry on responding quickly to their fast changing needs.

What piece of advice would you give to any manufacturing newcomers?

I think it's easy to over complicate processes. I am a firm believer in simplicity and focusing on doing fewer things better instead of trying to take on too much. Keeping it simple has been the key to our recent success.

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

News:

Manufacturing bouncing back according to latest barometer

Manufacturing in the South West is being boosted with new orders and jobs anticipated by the sector according to findings released by the MAS-SW.

The South West Manufacturing Barometer reveals that nearly 70 per cent of those manufacturers surveyed either saw no change or an increase in their turnover in the past six months with more than half expecting to see this figure continue to rise in the next six months. Order books also look healthy with over 70 per cent seeing either no change or an increase since June 2009 alongside enquiry levels, which are also up by more than a third.

Positively, nearly 90 per cent of those completing the survey also believe there will be no change or an increase in their workforce for the first half of the year - more good news for the manufacturing industry and its employees.

Designed to collate information on the economic climate and emerging trends from manufacturers in the region, the latest South West Manufacturing Barometer revealed:

62 per cent of businesses say that jobs are safe while 26 per cent predict an increase in staff numbers
46 per cent have seen increased sales over the past six months with 23 per cent expecting their order books to remain healthy
40 per cent will invest in new machinery and or new premises while 34 per cent will invest in new technology
96 per cent believe that the emerging low carbon market will have no impact on their business

Simon Howes, business development director for MAS-SW said: "It is really encouraging to see increased positivity from the manufacturing industry in the South West. After getting through a tough 2009 it is reassuring to see that from those surveyed, increasing numbers are anticipating jobs will be safe and that businesses are looking to invest in their future.

"The results also show the vast majority of respondents feel that the low carbon economy will have no impact on their business. It is imperative that manufacturers realise and capitalise on the opportunites that are emerging within the low carbon sector and with additional government funding being allocated in this area. We will be working to help manufacturers in the region do just this."

Grants for businesses to take on new apprentices

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has launched a scheme offering businesses grants worth up to £2,500 to take on young apprentices age 16 and 17 years old. The new initiative entitled Apprenticeship Grants for Employers of 16 and 17 year olds has been set up to enable employers to offer 5,000 new Apprenticeship places and take on an unemployed 16 or 17 year old apprentice immediately. The £2,500 grant is in addition to the costs of training which is met by the National Apprenticeship Service.

For more information click here

Need to carry waste? Register online now

If you want to transport or deal in waste, you can register online as a waste carrier or broker with the Environment Agency.

Click here to read more on what you must do before you carry or deal in waste.

New guidance for metal product businesses

If you work in the metal product industry, check out NetRegs updated guidance on what you must do with your equipment, coatings, solvents, scrap and more to comply with environmental regulations.

To read more click here

South West Firms make pledge to be 'Fit for the Future'

GKN Aerospace, the world's leading first tier supplier for aircraft component and structures manufacturing, opened its doors to host an interactive event both to challenge and assist regional manufacturers looking to make the most of new business opportunities in 2010 and beyond.

Led by the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW), senior managers were invited to attend the first in a series of 'Fit for the Future' practical workshops. The event provided essential design know-how in order for manufacturers to develop new products or improve current product ranges, enabling companies to better satisfy market requirements. Additional expert support was provided by the Enterprise Europe Network and UK Trade & Investment.

To read more click here

MAS-SW Events and Workshops

	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.

Fit for the Future workshop for South West manufacturers

Developing new products or improving your current range may not be your top priority right now but it is VITAL to continually develop your offering and add value to your markets to stay ahead of the competition.

With this in mind, the MAS-SW, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) have joined forces to bring you a series of practical, informative "Fit for the Future" workshops to support manufacturers looking to gain competitive advantage.

For more information or to book please phone 0845 6083838 or email info@swmas.co.uk.

Thursday 11th March 2010, 09:00am - 14:00pm, Moorland Links Hotel, Plymouth.

Strategic Learning Programme Manufacturing - Leading the Way

Interested in attending a Strategic Leadership Programme run by the University of Exeter Business School in partnership with MAS-SW? Contact Sally Howard at s.a.howard@exeter.ac.uk

Wednesday 10th March 2010,
University of Exeter.

Lean Leader Programme

Running over the course of May and June 2010, this eight-day course will equip delegates not only with proven lean tools and techniques, but also with the leadership skills required to apply and implement them within a business. The programme revolves around an in-company lean project that will deliver real and immediate cost savings. Each participating company will also receive one day on site support from a MAS-SW Lean specialist to assist with project learning and facilitation.

To register your interest in this programme, being held in the Bristol area and to find out more, please email info@swmas.co.uk

Partners & Other Events
Make Money Not Waste Cornwall A practical event for food and drink processors, focusing on resource efficiency and waste management. An opportunity to hear from national industry experts and to discuss solutions with like minded businesses. For more information, cost and how to book please click here. Wednesday 24th February 2010, The Alverton Manor Hotel, Nr Truro, 09:00am – 16:30pm.


MOD Defence Suppliers Conference and Exhibition 2010 Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is working with MOD Defence Contracts Bulletin (MOD DCB) to produce the MOD Defence Suppliers Service Annual Conference and Exhibition 2010. Designed for suppliers this high-profile event will provide a unique arena in which businesses can engage directly with the entire buying chain working across the UK defence sector. For more information, cost and how to book please click here. Thursday 25th February 2010, Thistle Hotel, Bristol, 09:00am – 06:00pm.


Nuclear New Build 2010 - Nuclear's Next Generation The UK is at the hub of a global nuclear renaissance. With the potential of a new-build fleet of power stations and world-leading innovation in legacy waste, Britain's position at the forefront of civil nuclear development is unquestioned. In recognition of the UK's place on the international stage London will be hosting what could be the key nuclear conference of the decade. Issues such as supply chain, global opportunities, the skills gap, regulation and best practice will be examined in carefully-crafted sessions featuring some of the leading international speakers and commentators on the energy scene. For more information, cost and how to book please click here. Alternatively visit www.nuclearinst.com Tuesday 2nd March, 2010 - Wednesday 3rd March 2010, Queen Elizabeth 11 Conference Centre, Westminster.


Crown Estates Supply Chain Events for Offshore Wind Industry The Crown Estate has announced the dates of a series of twelve UK supply chain events for the offshore wind industry. This developing industry is creating some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world with a potential market investment of over £100 billion. With this comes the prospect of tens of thousands of jobs and a significant boost to the UK economy. These events will be delivered regionally through a working partnership of The Crown Estate, the UK Government and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information, cost and how to book please click here. Tuesday 9th March 2010, At-Bristol, Bristol.


UK Advanced Engineering Roadshow For more information please click here. Tuesday 9th March 2010, Holiday Inn, Filton Road, Bristol.


MACH 2010 Welcome to MACH 2010, the UK's premier manufacturing technologies event MACH 2010 is the place to be if you want to see the latest in manufacturing technologies. Be it metalcutting, metal forming or associated technologies, services and equipment - MACH 2010 has it all. For more information please click here Monday 7th June 2010, Birmingham NEC.


Further News Articles

NetRegs

For further free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses visit the NetRegs website

MAS is the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success.


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