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[January 2004]
MASsive Boost For Would-be Exporters
A Government-funded scheme says it has helped almost 150 North Staffordshire manufacturers compete in the global marketplace.
West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) operates a free advice service for manufacturers, subsidises site visits by consultants and arranges expert advice from universities, trade bodies and research institutions such as CERAM in Penkhull.
The Wolverhampton-based scheme - which is promoted through Business Links in the region - said it had worked with 223 manufacturing outfits in Staffordshire since it was set up by the Department of Trade and Industry two years ago in 2002.
A spokesman for MAS said: "On average MAS has been helping more than eight companies per month in North Staffordshire since becoming operational.
"On that basis we expect to reach 150 companies assisted in the area by the end of February."
Tunstall-based floor and roof-tile manufacturer Daniel Platt approached MAS in a bid to improve the number of right-first-time finished products.
The company was given access to the research and development facilities at CERAM which identified changes to the manufacturing process leading to immediate savings of more than £150,000.
MAS - which is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands - said manufacturers in Staffordshire faced a number of challenges.
These included adapting to low-volume, higher-margin production, responding quickly to changes in fashion and embracing technological solutions to historical problems.
Other issues affecting profitability at some firms in Staffordshire include an over-dependency on high stock levels and the need to understand the importance of design in manufacturing, according to experts at MAS.
Chief executive at MAS, David Wright, urged all manufacturers in North Staffordshire to take advantage of practical help from the organisation.
Mr Wright said: "While we realise that the ceramics industry is a key part of manufacturing in North Staffordshire, the MAS appeal extends much further - right across the board in fact - due largely to the breadth of expertise and experience that we have at our disposal.
"If manufacturers want to make it better, MAS can and will help."
MAS works with organisations such as The Ceramic Industry Forum, Business Link, Keele University and North Staffordshire University to deliver advice as well as to identify some additional possible sources of funding.
ENDS