NAMTEC Manufacturing Forum to bring focus groups together

The prelaunch paves the way for the National Launch to be held in Sheffield, in September 2011. Speakers for the event included Graham Honeyman from Sheffield Forgemasters, who gave an inspirational presentation on the manufacturing prowess of the local organisation, and Adrian Bull from Westinghouse, who provided an update on the progress of civil nuclear power generation in the UK. Jeremy Godley, business development manager for Schmolz + Bickenbach UK Ltd, said: "We are pleased that the NAMTEC Manufacturing Forum is now bringing together the various manufacturing focus groups under one banner. The increased membership will create further networking opportunities which will lead to more business". The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, will address members and guests at the Inaugural Annual Dinner and National Launch of the NAMTEC Manufacturing Forum on Thursday, 28 September, 2011, to be held at Tankersley Manor, near Sheffield. Lord Green will be joined by such industry leaders as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Scottish and Southern Energy, David Brown Gear Systems and AMEC to discuss future potential for the manufacturing community and to consider the actions needed to secure growth. Dr Alan McLelland of NAMTEC said: "As the UK's leading support organisation for metals engineering and manufacturing companies, NAMTEC will draw the communities together to focus on the role of metals engineering within a manufacturing-led growth and recovery strategy. The presence of Lord Green at the dinner highlights the importance of this event and the benefits of Forum membership". Dr Patrick Stokes, business development manager with AMEC commented: "From the level of attendance, it was obvious that interest levels in manufacturing within metals and metal processes is very high indeed. We look forward to supporting the national launch in September."