Features

Manufacturing in the South: Recipes for success

The autoclave at Beagle Aerospace
Posted on 9 Nov 2012 by The Manufacturer

There is now widespread consensus that a thriving manufacturing industry is vital to the recovery of the UK economy. Daryl Gayler, regional managing director at RBS South Region, outlines how manufacturers in the South of England do their part to boost growth and morale in the sector by delivering best practice in a challenging business climate.

Supply chains: Vendor led supply

Apex Supply Chain Technologies is hoping to transform UK factory floors.
Posted on 8 Nov 2012 by Tim Brown

Hayley Group has 36 years experience providing a fast and efficient supply of what it terms ‘engineering essentials’ to its customers. But, as Tim Brown found out, its latest partnership with Apex Supply Chain Technologies is bringing that heritage into a new, leaner era.

The hidden value of waste

Removing the use of landfill sites completely is the holy grail of many manufacturing companies
Posted on 8 Nov 2012 by

Are waste-to-energy solutions too good to be true as a means to combat rising fuel and waste disposal costs? Peter Russell, head of manufacturing & industrials at RBS, considers refuse under a new light, analysing the benefits current waste-to-energy solutions are offering companies and how these will mature in coming years.

Workforce and skills: Life skills

Posted on 7 Nov 2012 by The Manufacturer

While university graduates will always be essential to the life sciences industry, changing conditions and end-user needs mean employers with a one track mind on skills sourcing may be at a disadvantage. Sector skills council Cogent aims to create beacons of best practice in diverse skills sourcing.

Hungry for improvement

Posted on 7 Nov 2012 by The Manufacturer

Pursuing operational excellence is an unending and task. But how hard and fast should improvement be pushed and what is the role of management in setting the pace? On October 3 manufacturing and operational excellence leaders met to discuss these questions at a Manufacturing Directors Forum event.

Papaya: Making light work of administration

Posted on 7 Nov 2012 by Tim Brown

As one of the nation’s premiere producers of specialty lettuces, Jepco is highly reliant on its several-hundred-strong seasonal workforce in order to satisfy the needs of its customers. As Tim Brown found out, the streamlining of Jepco’s HR administration has allowed the company to search for even more green shoots.