West Midlands is the manufacturing hub of the world say Swedish visitors

Pictured above: (on the left) Sunny Claire Project Manager, Enterprise Europe Network Midlands, with the Swedish delegation

The West Midlands is the manufacturing hub of the world according to a group of Swedish manufacturers who made a special visit to the region to witness best practice.

Nine Swedish manufacturers from all over the Scandinavian country visited the West Midlands as part of a global 'lean' manufacturing tour organised by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group.

In conjunction with Enterprise Europe Network Midlands and Invest in Skane, the companies visited Jaguar Land Rover Solihull, BMW Hams Hall and Brandauer Precision Pressings to learn about current manufacturing procedures in the West Midlands. The manufacturers visited were able to demonstrate that employing lean practices would help with saving money.

Ritva Rosenback, Production Manager for KB Components based in Orkellijunga said she found the programme very beneficial. She said: "I was particularly impressed at how far into the lean production management process the BMW factory is. I have picked up a lot of inspiration which I will be taking back to my company."

KB Components manufactures injection moulding and plastic components, 80 per cent of which are for the automotive industry.

Sunny Claire, Project Manager, Enterprise Europe Network Midlands said: "Our region has been identified as a best practice manufacturing hub.

"A vast amount of European opportunities are available for UK businesses in various sectors. I would urge companies which are looking for agents or distributors for their products in Europe to contact Enterprise Europe Network on 0121 607 1895 or email een@birmingham-chamber.com."

Article published by Midlands Business News on 26 April, 2011

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Articles submitted by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce:

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