Major Regional Conference For Manufacturers In The North West Announced

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- There can be no denying that we are currently in challenging economic times. In response to this, the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) NW has announced an inspirational panel of top speakers for its annual regional manufacturers' conference, aiming to bring practical opportunities for manufacturers in the region to drive order books, reduce energy and production costs, and position themselves for future growth.

The conference, focusing on four key themes, will offer manufacturers an opportunity to discuss and reflect on their key issues and concerns through breakout and networking opportunities with both respected manufacturing leaders and like-minded manufacturers from across the entire North West (Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Cumbria).

The key conference themes, developed by MAS from manufacturer feedback received during the year are:

Operational excellence in a recession – does it matter? For factories working under capacity, operational excellence is often allowed to slip. Presentations at the conference will demonstrate its importance - operational excellence strategies enable future opportunities for real bottom line benefits.
Driving sales and the order book - these remain key challenges for today’s businesses. Gain insights from fellow manufacturers who have changed and adapted the way they do business to drive sales.
Innovation and Opportunity - does technology provide opportunities or threats for local manufacturers?
Have we got the skills? - this theme will assess whether the North West has the skills needed to drive future growth.
Delegates attending the conference will learn from leading manufacturers who have weathered the storm and can provide advice on the opportunities for the future. They will also learn about leading edge innovations to transform business and will gain an insight into future growth from leading economic commentators. They will also have the opportunity to meet new customers and suppliers.

Speakers at the conference include:
•   David Scott-Maxwell, R&D Manager, Forge Europa
•   Ken Collett, Manufacturing Director, Money Controls Limited
•   Duncan Craig, Vice President of Manufacturing Process, Westinghouse Electric Company
•   Gareth Humphreys MBE, Human Resources Advisor for Education, MBDA Missile Systems    Limited
•   Finbarr Dowling, Managing Director, Siemens Standard Drives
•   Steve Fogg, Director of Nimrod Development, BAE Systems
•   Nick Hussey, Director, Manufacturing Insight
•   Andrea Paver, Operations Director, Leyland Trucks Limited
•   Adrian Rawlinson, Managing Director, Marl International Limited
•   Billy Storer, Group Lean Controller, United Biscuits (UK) Ltd
•   Tony Wilson, Chairman and Principal Shareholder, Klarius Group
•   Chris Wilkinson, Director of Engineering and Business Assurance, Spirit AeroSystems
•   Brian M Stringer, Group Operations Director, Survitec
•   Michael Straughan, Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover Halewood

As well as the main conference day on 8 July, factory tours are being confirmed with a number of leading North West manufacturers and facilities for 9 July, reflecting the conference themes.

The conference is free of charge to small and medium manufacturers in the North West who may book either online at http://journey9.co.uk/MAS/registration/, by phone on 0161 831 0261 or by fax to 0161 425 1069.

# # #

Small and medium size North West manufacturers have access to a fully or part-funded manufacturing review to review to assess existing working processes and identify the best areas for improvement.