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Promoting Performance is the CEA's programme to help suppliers and SMEs improve their quality, cost and delivery performances and is supported and part funded by the DTI. The project was inspired by the automotive industry's Industry Forum, which has developed a package of initiatives starting with their MasterClass programme - which involves master engineers working with companies to "seek and destroy" inefficiencies and waste. Promoting Performance consists of four modules:
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
The OEMs supporting the project and
forming part of the The Real Time Workshops reported in the last issue of Newsline have proved very popular and a waiting list is now in place. The CEA is in the process of submitting an application for further funds from the DTI to continue the programme in 2002/2003. Several companies have expressed a wish to participate in future MasterClasses. The MET has decided to take a middle route, ie not to replicate the Industry Forum's route by training its own engineers. The CEA will, however, continue to have a Manufacturing Excellence Project Manager to co-ordinate, support and guide companies. Contact Ray Golson or Pam Hyde at the CEA if your company is interested in delivering sustainable improvement. PRIMED FOR EXPORT
Grant Shannon is backed by a Steering Committee of EMG members who can be called upon to advise and supply additional information as needed. The Primed for Export Steering Group is completing its plans and strategy for the initiative for the year beginning April 2002 as it is hoped that further funding from the DTI will be available for us to continue this excellent service for a further 12 months. Members of the Primed for Export Steering Group are: Paul Ross (Caterpillar UK), David Redhead (BSP), Dan Willis (Export Consultant), Neil Allen (CEA President), Pam Hyde (CEA), Rob Oliver (CEA), Grant Shannon (CEA).
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PROMOTING
PERFORMANCE 
The
pilot companies selected to participate in the CEA's Promoting
Performance Manufacturing Excellence programme have now either fully
completed, or are in the final stages, of their MasterClasses. Target
areas ranged from set-up reduction to shop floor layouts. All the
companies have benefited substantially from the programme and are
continuing the work and culture changes engendered. Manufacturing
Excellence also includes work on supply chain relationships -
establishing a network of regional Supplier Forums to identify best
practice and improve communications on sourcing and manufacturing
issues. Much interest has been generated from the Forums.
Presentations have been delivered by ASL Systems, Peter Miles
Engineering, West Alloy and Volex Wiring, all of whom enthusiastically
endorse the improvements delivered by the MasterClasses.
Manufacturing Excellence Team (MET) are Komatsu UK Ltd, JCB Sales Ltd
and Caterpillar (UK) Ltd. There is very strong support from the OEMs,
who see this programme as an excellent practical tool for improving
performance of the UK supplier base. The next meeting of the MET -
which includes OEM and supplier members - will be held mid April at
the offices of the SMMT.
The
CEA's Trade Promotion Manager, Grant Shannon, has so far visited 23
component supplier companies to advise them on different aspects of
exporting. He has also met with other organisations, such as Regional
Development Agencies and Trade Partners UK, to brief them on our
Primed for Export initiative. A Regional Forum on exporting to Ireland
is set for 26 March and a comprehensive compendium on sources of
export help is being finalised - the latter will be shortly circulated
to all members of the Export Marketing Group (EMG) and available in
the "Members Only" area of HYPERLINK "http://www.coneq.org.uk"
www.coneq.org.uk. If you are new to exporting, or feel
you can benefit from an export advice visit, please contact the CEA
offices.
