The Manufacturing Institute joins Manchester Growth Company

The Manufacturing Institute (TMI) has joined the Manchester Growth Company (MGC) to champion the manufacturing sector across the UK and around the world.

Both organisations are passionate about manufacturing. They deliver a wide range of business, education and training services which are bespoke to the sector. The relationship will support manufacturers to compete effectively on a global scale, boost productivity, explore new opportunities and improve their operational efficiency.

MGC has helped support the creation of more than 15,500 jobs and has helped generate £414m GVA to the region’s economy, with manufacturing one of its key priorities.

TMI, based at Trafford Park, has worked with 80,000 manufacturers over the last 22 years providing education and training from shop floor to boardroom.

They also provide training for the prestigious Shingo Prize, the global standard for enterprise excellence supporting manufacturing leaders, and are about to launch level six and seven apprenticeships aimed at manufacturers.

Said Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of MGC: “I am delighted that The Manufacturing Institute has become part of the Manchester Growth Company.

 “This provides us with a real opportunity to deliver a single, aligned manufacturing service to the sector on a Greater Manchester, UK and international basis.

“It will enable us to broaden our offer to the sector with a range of bespoke qualifications, and productivity programmes designed to help companies grow and develop staff to their highest potential.

“Manufacturing is one of our key priorities and this collaboration underlines our commitment to this vital sector.”

Liam Ferguson, Director General of TMI said: “We have spent the last 12 months looking for a partner to scale up our operation, and we've found the ideal partner in MGC.

"TMI has a long and proud history of supporting manufacturing companies of all sizes we will now be delivering our specialist skills to a much wider base. “

The announcement of the TMI becoming part of MGC coincides with them both exhibiting at this week’s Industry 4.0 summit being held at Manchester Central.

The two-day event (4-5 April) is an exhibition dedicated to innovations in manufacturing, and will feature over 30 presentations from the world’s top manufacturing thought leaders.

MGC and TMI will be exhibiting together at Industry 4.0 as part of a special Productivity Zone designed to connect delegates with the wide range of manufacturing support available.  The Zone includes representation from Business Growth Hub, Fab Labs, MIDAS and The Skills Company to help manufacturers understand how technology and innovation can greatly increase competitiveness and boost productivity.

Delegates will get the chance to take part in the Lean Manufacturing challenge, speak to business experts about growing their business, and view some of the latest manufacturing tech available via the Fab Labs initiative.

Business Growth Hub, part of MGC will also be hosting a special Manufacturing Champions Network event at the summit on 4 April, 3pm-5pm.  Designed exclusively for manufacturing and engineering leaders, this session will look at the practical implications of Industry 4.0 and its potential impact on SME manufacturers.

For more details on the summit visit http://www.industry40summit.com/.

For more details on the Manufacturing Champions event visit: http://www.businessgrowthhub.com/events/manufacturing-champions-network-industry-40