The body-in-white is the focus, as manufacturers grapple with the different demands of steel and aluminium structures and components. Areas of work include the refinement and improvement of metal stamping, dimensional control systems, joining techniques, paint processes and incorporating variety in a lean environment.

It is hoped that the collaborative work will deliver existing or planned projects to a new level based on innovation that would not otherwise have been possible, with a reduction in complexity and associated cost. A starting point is understanding both the business needs of an organisation and the key factors required for quality. ‘Manufacturing Excellence’ – the theme of the project – is then supported through modelling and simulation tools.

Manufacturers gain improved confidence with existing materials and technologies and develop the capabilities to provide solutions for new materials and processes. Participants benefit from exclusive access to leading-edge tools, techniques and technologies for the duration of the project and for two years thereafter.

This leads to improved management and control, better analysis and prediction of performance, greater understanding of risk, the avoidance of costly mistakes and an acceleration of the product development process. A knowledge transfer programme is being rolled out to ensure embedding of best practice throughout an organisation and encouragement is given to collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers.