MAN chairman’s blueprint for Midlands manufacturing

Gerry Dunne (pictured) outlined his vision for the future this week after he was announced as the new chairman of MAN, an eight-strong collection of world class engineering businesses located in the West Midlands. The experienced toolmaker is keen to build on the group's unique ability to provide a complete 'manufacturing solution' for customers, including expertise in all aspects of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes. He has already identified the need to tap into existing global demand for UK technical capabilities and innovation and believes that there will never be a better time for West Midlands' manufacturers to steal a march in the aerospace, defence, medical and renewable energy sectors. Dunne, who is also currently managing director at precision tool and pressings specialist Westley Engineering, is clear that challenges lie ahead for industry, including an ageing workforce, unnecessary bureaucracy and a painful escalation in raw material costs. "This is a really exciting time to be taking over as chairman of MAN, with all companies reporting increases in volumes and significant new opportunities in the pipeline," explained Dunn, who replaces Brandauer's David Spears at the group's helm. "Sales are up between 20 and 40% across all members, with automotive particularly strong. The re-branding exercise and website (www.man-group.co.uk) we completed last year are also paying off with enquiries up, new work being secured and lots of new exhibitions planned for 2011, including Southern Manufacturing this week, Subcon in June and Defence Security Equipment International (DSEi) in September." He continued: "However, there are challenges ahead. MAN members are reporting up to 150% increases in the price of steel/copper and there are also problems with getting material when we need it. We've also seen shortages in components, which is hitting assembly and delaying lead times. "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.