MAN chairman offers blueprint for West Mids manufacturers
International markets, security of supply and the rising cost of material prices will continue to dominate the manufacturing landscape this year, according to the new chairman of engineering organisation MAN.
Gerry Dunne made the comments as he was announced as chairman of MAN, an eight-strong collection of engineering businesses in the West Midlands.
Dunne is the managing director at precision tool and pressings specialist Westley Engineering. He replaces Brandauer’s David Spears at the helm of MAN.
He said that he was keen to build on the group’s ability to provide a complete ‘manufacturing solution’ for customers, including expertise in all aspects of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes.
Dunne also identified the need to tap into existing global demand for UK technical capabilities and innovation, and said that there would “never be a better time” for West Midlands’ manufacturers to get involved in the aerospace, defence, medical and renewable energy sectors.
He said: “Being part of a collection of companies mean we tend to be able to see trends quicker than if we were in isolation and a lot of work is focused around increasing efficiency and stock utilisation.”
Originally established as part of an Advantage West Midlands automotive initiative, MAN has evolved into a self-sustainable group that boasts a combined turnover of £70m and employs in excess of 600 people.
The five original members – Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, FW Cables and Westley - have been joined by Advanced Chemical Etching, PP Electrical Systems and Wrekin Circuits.
