New customers in the automotive, electronics and energy generation sectors have decided to tap into the single source solution to enjoy greater supply chain security, faster lead times and new technical innovations.
Over 85 new jobs have been created across the nine firms that make up the unique West Midlands-based collective, 20 of whom are apprentices sourced from local schools in the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Stafford, Telford and Shrewsbury.
Chairman Tony Hague's results announcement comes just a few months before the group celebrates its tenth birthday. Over the last 12 months, it has invested more than £4 million into an array of machinery and new technology, including a new special product cell, multi-axis lathe, CNC machines and a new clean room.
"There has definitely been a move from the OEMs and Tier 1s to trim down their supply chains to reduce costs and make them easier to manage. We've certainly benefitted from this."
He continues: "We've never come across another MAN, a lot of tried but few seem to arrive on the successful formula we have. I think what makes us tick is the fact we have eight subcontract manufactures who don't compete in any way and are all committed to delivering world class manufacturing performance.
"We are completely open with each other, share best practice and, now we have a dedicated design specialist, can take a product from prototype through to small, medium and high volume production."
The Midlands Assembly Network consists of Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, Mec Com, Muller Holdings, PP Electrical Systems and SMT Developments. Together they employ more than 700 employees across twelve factories and combined turnover of £70 million.
MAN also boasts WMG at the University of Warwick as an associate member, tapping into its R&D capabilities and facilities to develop new technologies that can be used by SMEs.
Clients can work with one, two or all nine members of the Midlands Assembly Network to meet their manufacturing requirements. This could be resourcing existing components or taking exciting new innovations and turning them into commercial reality.
