“We helped to generate fantastic commercial research for members of the MAN group as well as create new products that will make a real difference to the UK’s economy.” Onur Eren, Chief Engineer, WMGLink opens in a new window

The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN)Link opens in a new window is a collaboration of manufacturing companies based in the Midlands and Stevenage that share technical excellence in mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering processes. Their services include aluminium casting, CNC and conventional machining, contracts electronics manufacturing, electrical and electronics assemblies, engineering supplies, fluid power, forging, industrial design, metal stamping, plastic injection moulding, and tube bending and manipulation.

Four of the MAN members approached WMG after hearing about our involvement with the Made Smarter West Midlands scheme, which launched a £1.9 million digital adoption push to drive growth in West Midlands manufacturing and engineering SMEs in June 2021. They each had a desire to embed more digital technology into their organisations.

James Lister & Sons, which has branches throughout the West Midlands and South Wales, wanted to explore R&D in 3D printing to offer a new service for its customers. Alucast in Wednesbury, an award-winning aluminium casting foundry supplying fully machined components wanted to begin their digitisation adventure.

Read more here about the projects and the results here:Link opens in a new window

For more information about working with WMG's SME Group email wmgsme@warwick.ac.uk