Car makers meet suppliers at supply chain showcase
1 min read
Automotive dating was top of the agenda recently when 'Autolinks' rolled into Birmingham for the seventh year in a row and more than 25 companies from the region's supply chain showcased their expertise and capabilities during face-to-face meetings with car manufacturers including Aston Martin, SAIC and BMW.
The event – backed by the Manufacturing Advisory Service –West Midlands Auto, UKTI and Birmingham City University – also gave firms the opportunity to talk to technology partners and explore the potential of knowledge transfer partnerships for developing new products and meeting the low carbon agenda.
In excess of 100 meetings were held during the day, with early estimates suggesting millions of pounds' worth of new work could have been identified for the West Midlands.
Automotive cluster manager Rachel Eade was delighted that the sector dismissed the downturn of the last 12 months and instead focused on aggressively attacking new opportunities. "Autolinks continues to offer companies the most cost and time effective way of meeting with potential new clients, many of which you would struggle to get in front of in a conventional way."
She continued "We had more than 25 SMEs in attendance, such as Brandauer, Powertrain, Sorion and Servosteel. The feedback about the contacts they made during the event has been extremely positive and there is already demand for a similar event next year.
"Low Carbon was also a major talking point and there were plenty of discussions about how the supply chain can get involved and work with academia to explore existing expertise."
Rowan Crozier, sales director at contract presswork and stampings specialist Brandauer, added his support: "Autolinks is an essential way for us to meet potential customers and indeed suppliers in one day and all under one roof. It opens doors, reduces travel time and, by booking the meeting in advance, you know you are going to see the people you really want to.
"We made three excellent contacts on the day which could well lead to new value added contracts."
Birmingham City University's Technology, Engineering and Environmental faculty used Autolinks to showcase its KTP Projects and the highly acclaimed Formula Student Racing Car.
Students spoke with delegates about future careers and many attendees were delighted to see the next generation of motorsport and automotive engineers being developed in the West Midlands.
