CQI Midlands visits the front line of innovation in manufacturing

Members of the CQI Midlands branch learned about the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)’s vision for industry and got a behind-the-scenes look at its facility in Ansty Park, Coventry. 

This was the latest joint event by the Birmingham branch and the Leicester and Coventry branch. Mark Eydman, CQP MCQI, also delivered a presentation on behalf of the CQI, with delegates learning about the institute’s history, membership grades, benefits of membership, training courses, vision and IRCA.

The MTC presentation described the organisation’s vision to inspire British manufacturing on the global stage. It focuses on delivering bespoke manufacturing system solutions for customers by developing and providing innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile, low-risk environment. MTC partners with industry, academia and other institutions.

The organisation operates some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world and employs highly skilled engineers, many of whom are leading experts in their field. This creates a high-quality environment for the development and demonstration of new processes and technologies on an industrial scale.

Their areas of expertise are directly relevant to both large and small companies, and are applicable across a wide range of industry sectors. The MTC’s members include global manufacturing companies from multiple sectors and research partners, such as the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and TWI Ltd.

The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), which is supported by Innovate UK. Its SME REACH programmes helps SMEs across the UK’s supply chain increase productivity using the latest manufacturing technology. This programme provides support to eligible SME businesses, including toolkits, methodologies and transferable best practices.

These are aimed at the SMEs that want to:

• improve productivity
• reduce costs
• embed innovation
• de-risk the use of technology
• help accelerate the UK's industrial growth.

The MTC blends a range of services and world-leading technologies to provide a holistic approach, delivering the most progressive and productive outcome for businesses.

Branch member Amandip Sandhu said: “It was an absolute delight to welcome about 35 guests to this ground-breaking event. It is always a pleasure to meet CQI members. This time delegates included COOs, MDs, directors and group managers, several of whom attended for the first time. More events at the CQI Midlands branch are on the horizon. We’re looking forward to meeting you all at the next one soon.”