Issue 14 | DECEMBER 2018

N E T W O R K

northeastautomotivealliance.com

Introducing NEAA Cluster Link business-to-business intelligence platform

Reprotec Group celebrates 30 years in business...NEAA finds out more...

NEAA Annual Awards to return in 2019 after successful STEM donations from the 2018 event

Industry-leading keynote speakers, SME showcase and new technology were amongst the North East Automotive Expo highlights.

NEAA EXPO 2018 PROVES BEST YET!

While every care has been taken to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, the NEAA cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions and no liability is accepted for omission or failure from any cause.

All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. The inclusion of an advertisement cannot be constructed as an endorsement by the NEAA, their employees or agents.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the NEAA.

The NEAA SME project is receiving up to £669,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF.

Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

The NEAA is supported by

Contents3. NEAA News6. SME Programme 7. WERMA Advertorial 8. Business Efficiency and Effectiveness 9. Skills 10. Innovation & Technology11. Trade & Investment 12. Interview of the Quarter14. Members News15. Member Collaboration16. NEAA Members

22 NETWORK

Laura Gage PR & Marketing ManagerEmail lgage@northeastautomotivealliance.com Phone 0191 516 4400

Send us your news and editorial for consideration in the next quarterly issue!

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Where has the year gone!!!

As we approach the end of the year and I reflect on the year it’s safe to say it’s been a busy year. We started the year with a bang, celebrating automotive excellence at our inaugural Annual Awards, where we awarded £18,000 in support of our future talent and STEM projects – Big Bang (on page 9) received £6,000 thanks to donations from Hyperdrive Innovation and AVID Technology.

Membership continues to go from strength to strength. Today we stand at 346-member companies, which represents a 28% increase over the year. We’ve seen a change in the Chairmanship of the cluster with Kevin O’Neil taking over from Kevin Fitzpatrick in April; and this provided an opportunity to review the cluster strategy and develop plans for the next 5 years. It’s safe to say it’s a very different environment than when we launched in March 2015 with major developments such Brexit, Industrial Strategy, Sector Deal, Local Industrial Strategy, Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, Devolution, Diesel Gate and a technology revolution taking place in the sector.

More recently we have seen the announcement in the budget regarding the Stephenson Challenge, and I’m please to say the North East has played a significant leading role in this project thus far. This provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance our strengths in power electronics and motor drives; and key stakeholders are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the region capitalises on this opportunity.

CESAM continues to make significant steps forward and I’m hoping we will have positive news in the New Year. We continue to review the CAV logistic opportunity and will hopefully secure some funding to develop a detailed business case for the region to take a leading role across the UK thanks to our unique infrastructure in and around Nissan, IAMP and existing nearside key suppliers.

September saw our fourth North East Automotive Expo – quite simply our best ever. The new Beacon of Light is a fantastic facility and enabled us to take the event to new levels. 547 delegates attended, representing 271 companies from 6 countries; and post show feedback has been exceptional. This remains our greatest opportunity to showcase the strength and breadth of the NE automotive sector and plans are already afoot for next year.

Lastly, this month also marks the end of the ERDF funded ACE SME programme, which I’m pleased to announce we are expected to meet all contractual targets. This means 158 SMEs in the region will have benefitted significantly from the programme. However, I will report fully in the next edition.

As I started it’s been a busy year. The team and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Paul Butler / CEO / NEAA

CEO CORNER

3DECEMBER 2018

NEAA NEWS

The NEAA Cluster Link is a new business-to-business supply chain collaborationand intelligence platform, powered by iQluster for NEAA cluster participants.

Launched this year, the NEAA Cluster Link streamlines intercompany communication and securely captures multi-tier supply chain intelligence so that organisations can increase network competitiveness. The new system, provided by Valuechain, positions the NEAA as the first regional industry association to host its cluster on this type of networking platform.

The NEAA Cluster Link will allow you to:

• Manage, update and enhance your company profile from a secure online platform• Find and generate new business opportunities• Promote your products and services to new markets• Provide real-time membership information for NEAA account managers• Seamlessly connect your existing supply chain network• Update your interests to find new/ alternative suppliers• Engage in collaborative networks to share best practice• Gain latest news from Industry Leaders• Find out your Digital Readiness Level (DRL)

During a NEAA trial workshop in March, members were given a hands-on introduction to using the NEAA Cluster Link and seemed encouraged by the forward-thinking of the organisation.

“The NEAA Cluster Link has the potential to offer members increased visibility, information sharing and B2B business

opportunities not only in the North East but Nationwide. The Cluster Link could allow members to appreciate and drill down the supply chain beyond the traditional Tier 1 or 2 approach.” - TR Fastenings.

iQluster is integrated with Valuechain’s software applications, offering analytics & reporting, data capture solutions and CRM tools, to all users of the platform.

What is Digital Readiness Level (DRL)?The Digital Readiness Level (DRL) Tool was developed to create a standardised tool which will help companies to measure and therefore improve their digital maturity.

The tool is designed to work in a similar way as the now well stablished models for Technology Readiness Level (TRL) andManufacturing Readiness Level (MRL): they have an open standard approach to allow and promote direct comparisonand benchmarking with other companies of your size, sector and region.

The DRL Tool is designed to provide a company with the opportunity to take a

CEO CORNER

detailed look at where they are inrespect to the digital journey and to assess and prioritise their future actions to identify and reach an appropriate position.

Take the DRL coffee challenge here: https://drl-tool.org/

For further information on NEAA Cluster Link, please contact:Rohan Kohli I Graduate ManagerT: 0191 516 4400E: rkohli@northeastautomotivealliance.com

www.northeastautomotivealliance.com/members-area/cluster-link/

INTRODUCING NEAA CLUSTER LINK BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM...

NEAA NEWS

4 NETWORK

Industry-leading keynote speakers, SME showcase and new technology were amongst the North East Automotive Expo highlights. NEAA’s flagship event returned for a fourth year at the end of September at a new exciting venue – the Beacon of Light – with more than 540 visiting delegates.

Some of the biggest names in the industry both regionally and nationally made a presence at this year’s North East Automotive Expo, including members of the Automotive Council Supply Chain Group, which comprises of companies such as the Department for International Trade (DiT) Automotive Sector Team, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Adient Seating UK, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and BorgWarner.

It is the only event of its kind in the region and welcomed delegates from a broad spectrum of functions including plant managers and engineering disciplines from the region’s top performing companies.

The new venue enabled the expo to grow its exhibitor profile by 30% compared to

NEAA EXPO 2018 PROVES BEST YET!

NEAA’s 2019 Expo will return on 26 September at the Beacon of Light - early-bird rates are now available for members and end on 31 December 2018. We are also delighted to bring back the pre-event dinner for a fifth year on 25 September, once again sponsored by Invest South Tyneside.Contact: Jo Martin I Events Executive I jmartin@northeastautomotivealliance.com I 0191 516 4400

last year’s event and showcased 40 Small Medium Enterprise (SME) companies as part of the NEAA’s ERDF funded programme as well as a further 90 exhibitors.

The expo was also used as a platform to demonstrate new and emerging technology from a number of members and companies in the region who are leading the way in terms of advanced propulsion, electric machines and power electronics and automation.

The expo, sponsored by MAKE it Sunderland for a fourth year, was also supported by a further five big name sponsors including the Growth Hub North East, TR Fastenings, Invest South Tyneside, Senseye and Aztec Colour Print.

“The Expo was such a good event which showcased the region so positively. The event organisation was spot on and very slick. Our company were very pleased to be able to exhibit and we will be back in 2019.” Bruce Mair FIRP I Faltec Europe Limited

“This year’s NEAA Expo was an exceptionally successful day during which we met many prospective clients. It was a superbly organised and enjoyable event.”Janet Murray I Reprotec Group

“Thank you for such an amazing event! I have to say that it was one of the best ones I have exhibited at this year.”Rebecca Everson I NBT Group

Attendees by type of organisation Attendees by job function

5

NEAA ANNUAL AWARDS TO RETURN IN 2019

DECEMBER 2018

Following the success of the inaugural Annual Awards in 2018, the NEAA is delighted to announce the industry awards will return on Friday 1st of February 2019.

The NEAA Annual Awards, sponsored by MAKE it Sunderland, are designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals within the North East automotive sector and help further raise the profile of this remarkable industry.

240 industry guests attended the inaugural event back in February 2018 where £18,000 was awarded in support of the region’s future automotive talent. Ten months later the school’s engagement and STEM donations are being put to good use including sponsorship of Bring it On, which took place in October (read more on page 9 of this issue).

The NEAA is delighted to see the clear impact the awards have had on local school engagement and STEM initiatives – leading to the announcement of the second Annual Awards.

Paul Butler, chief executive officer of the NEAA said: “It’s vitally important for the future success of the sector that we have the right quality skills coming through the system and that we recognise and develop our future talent. It is wonderful to see the impact the inaugural awards have had on future talent and STEM projects and I am delighted to confirm that the awards will return in 2019 with the view of creating the same, if not greater, impact.

“I encourage members of the alliance to seize the opportunity to showcase your company at these regional industry awards. It is not only an opportunity to support future talent, but it is also an opportunity to raise the profile of your company and be acknowledged for your successes.”

Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College and sponsor of the Apprentice Award, said: “We’re proud to sponsor this award and support the growth of an automotive supply chain that’s renowned for its expertise throughout the world. It’s great to see so many firms in this sector investing in apprenticeships, which are a great way of helping companies

grow their business through the development of new skills and fresh ideas. The bespoke training that we develop with employers enables the industry to address critical skills shortages and become even more competitive.”

Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and sponsor of the School Engagement Award, said: “South Tyneside Council is proud to sponsor the School Engagement award again this year. Manufacturing is changing, and so are the roles available within the sector – this makes it even more vital that organisations continue to educate and inspire the workforce of the future. “The support to schools for both students and teachers will have an impact on the subjects studied, qualifications gained and the skills and expertise available in the region as a whole. This award will recognise those companies that go above and beyond to ensure education and industry work together to achieve a common goal.”

Book your table at the 2019 Awards DinnerMembers Individual, £100 +VAT I Table of 10, £1,000 +VATNon-Members Individual, £150 +VAT I Table of 10, £1,500 +VAT

Visit the NEAA website for further detail or contact Jo Martin, Events Executive on jmartin@northeastautomotivealliance.com

2019 Award Categories• Outstanding Contribution Award, Sponsored by MAKE it Sunderland• School Engagement Award, Sponsored by Invest South Tyneside• Apprentice Award, Sponsored by Gateshead College• Graduate Award• Innovation Award, Sponsored by University of Sunderland• Business Competitiveness Award• SME Company of the Year Award, Sponsored by RTC• Trade and Investment Award

Entry deadline Thursday 20 December 2018

SME PROGRAMME

North East businesses will benefit from the launch of a new multimillion-pound programme aimed at those who wish to diversify, broaden their customer base and unlock new market opportunities.

Supply Chain North East will see four key partners joining forces to work with over 800 businesses between 2018-2021 and is designed to support businesses to identify opportunities in new and existing markets and to develop a plan of action to win work and become supply ready.

An integral part of the North East Growth Hub, Supply Chain North East will be delivered across the region by the NEAA, along with three other partners, RTC North, Generator and North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

The Supply Chain North East Programme will provide the following support to eligible businesses:• Networking opportunities• Preparation for Accreditation• Awareness events• Improve operational performance• Market Research• Harnessing digital technology• Sales and marketing strategy for new sectors• Visibility of cross sector opportunities and project timeframes • Develop products, processes and services matched to opportunities

Colin Bell, Business Growth Director at the North East LEP and leading the North East Growth Hub, said: “Supply Chain North East works with businesses who want to diversify, broaden their customer base and unlock new market opportunities. A key benefit that businesses will gain is that they will build more diverse revenue streams, reducing reliance on few customer and markets, which is particularly important with Brexit on the horizon.

“With new supply chain prospects in the North East, such as the £500 million Nexus Fleet Replacement Programme and opportunities further afield, this initiative has been designed to ensure our region’s businesses are well placed to grow their customer base, strengthen supply chain management and diversify their products and services.

“Delivering an ‘opportunity review’ on each business, Supply Chain North East also focuses on helping businesses make the most of new technology to drive higher profits, productivity and innovation in new products and services.”

NEAA TO JOIN PARTNERS IN THE DELIVERY OF SUPPLY CHAIN NORTH EAST PROGRAMME

6 NETWORK

Jamie Ollivere, Programme Director of Supply Chain, added: “We’re delighted to be delivering a programme that can make a real difference to local businesses in the North East tap into cross national and international opportunities. All partners involved in delivering this programme offer will allow businesses access to a vast amount of expertise and wealth of experience. It’s the strength of this partnership that will ensure Supply Chain North East helps to create more and better jobs for the region.”

To find out more on how Supply Chain North East can help your business, the partners are holding a Launch Event on Thursday, 24th January at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle.

Visit www.supplychainnortheast.co.uk for more information or call 0191 516 4400 and speak to a member of the NEAA team.

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is

RISKY BUSINESS

Supply Chain North East works with businesses who want to diversify, broaden their customer base and unlock new market opportunities.

Working with individual business leaders and their teams to undertake an opportunity review, our advisors will identify and build on your core competencies, understand improvement needs and identify suitable opportunities in new and existing markets.

Delivering an opportunity review, Supply Chain North East will also connect you with market specialists to help you make the most of new technology, to drive productivity and innovation in new products and services.

Delivered by Funded by

#SupplyChainNE

Delivered by

supplychainnortheast.co.uk

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is

RISKY BUSINESS

MEMBER ADVERTORIAL

Made in Germany

WERMA (UK) Ltd. email: uksales@werma.co.uk

Shop online at: www.werma.co.uk

Intelligent systems that simply workStockSAVER A retrofit solution for FIFO flow racks to monitor stock movements and launch replenishment orders automatically - Kanban without cards.

SMART INDUSTRY 4.0 PROCESS IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS FROM WERMA THAT SIMPLY WORK

7DECEMBER 2018

Read how cable manufacturer Auto-Kabel IMPROVES Kanban stock replenishment with StockSAVER, saving time and cost.

The global automotive supplier Auto-Kabel manufactures cable and lead sets for power supply applications. The friction welding machines deployed in the process must always have an adequate supply of material to work on without excessive safety stocks. Flow racks are located next to the manufacturing machines.

The challenge – reduce downtimeThe high throughput of components like cable shoes and eyelets often led to shortages and idle time because replenishment was inadequate. The company wanted a solution to this but without excessive cost, nor should safety stocks be increased.

StockSAVER - Easy to install, simple to operateStockSAVER is a maintenance-free system which is easy to retrofit to any FIFO flow rack. Sensors fitted to the flow racks ensure complete transparency of stock levels and safeguard against material running out or misplaced stock.

The system works very simply: sensors monitor the number if bins held on the FIFO flow racks. The number of and movement of bins is then sent to the “SmartBOX” and from there on wirelessly to the StockSAVER software and displayed as a digital copy of the actual stock held on the flow racks. The system solves many traditional Kanban problems such as lost or damaged kanban cards or human error in replacing bins on the racks and frees up space on the factory floor for other activities and, last but not least, improves cash-flow. The automatic

stock replenishment system reduces the margin for human-error and can reduce the levels of safety stock held considerably.

Great benefits immediately after the trialAfter the trial during which 3 flow racks with 90 stock locations were fitted with the system significant improvements were seen. The target of reducing machine idle time was easily met. “Immediately after setting the system up we were able to reduce idle time and safety stocks. The project paid for itself within 6 weeks!”

If you would like to learn more about StockSAVER, or arrange for a free demonstration of the system on-site please contact:

uksales@werma.co.uktel: 01536 486930www.werma.co.uk

8 NETWORK

BUSINESS EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

The NEAA Energy Focus Group, which kicked off back in September 2015, is making good progress with its participants, and is now widening its scope of collaboration by engaging with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP).

The NELEP has now appointed a programme lead for energy who recently met with the NEAA Energy Focus Group members. Andrew Clark is responsible for driving the North East Energy Strategy and through his engagement with the NEAA this will help gather intelligence around the opportunities for innovative and strategic regional projects to ultimately help solve national and local challenges and support regional economic growth.

Following the latest Energy Group meeting the NELEP and NEAA Energy Partner, Great Annual Savings (GAS), are to visit each of the companies from the Energy Focus Group to understand their progress on energy initiatives and strategy. This will involve completing a thorough energy assessment pro-forma that will feed into the fine tuning of the NELEP support in this area. This will also allow NEAA Energy Partner, GAS, a platform to engage with the Energy

NEAA ENERGY FOCUS GROUP WIDENS SCOPE OF COLLABORATION

Focus Group member companies, as well as suitable SMEs within their supply chain.

GAS, who have worked with hundreds of manufacturers to help them improve their energy contracts and boost their bottom lines, are also providing support to the Energy Focus Group members on their Future-Fit Energy Strategy. This centres around understanding legislation, TRIAD avoidance, Demand Side Response (DSR) & storage, procurement strategy and renewables.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing collaboration between Energy Focus Group member, Adient, and member company Connected Energy on the adoption of a battery storage solution at their Washington facility. This is collaborative test case which, if successful, has the potential to be adopted within other NEAA member facilities.

Connected Energy is an engineering led innovator in energy storage. Their technologies are rapidly changing the way intensive energy users can access the benefits of low-cost, on-site solutions.

The E-STOR system is modular and scalable as well as straight forward to

install and operate for energy intensive clients to flexibly control and reduce their energy costs, and develop new revenue streams.

For further information on Business Efficiency and Effectiveness, or how to get involved, please contact:

Stuart McGivern I Project Managersmcgivern@northeastautomotivealliance.comMob: 07795 301392

9DECEMBER 2018

SKILLS

The Big Bang Near Me is a UK-wide programme of regional events to get students excited about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

In the North East it is delivered by RTC North, who provide a high quality programme of activity to raise the aspirations and awareness of young people in the North East about STEM based subjects.

The show piece event is a large celebration of regional engineering spread over two days called ‘Bring It On’, at which thousands of pupils from regional schools get to interact with regional employers and see engineering brought to life.

This year, Bring it On took place in October and welcomed over 70 exhibitors across the region and over 2,750 pupils - the biggest celebration of Engineering in the North East.

BRING IT ON SCHOOLS EVENT HEAVILY SUPPORTED BY NEAA MEMBERS

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The North East continues to see growth in the number of organisations signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, but it is evident there are still gaps in the knowledge that some of those organisations in the early stages of Defence Engagement have.

To close this knowledge gap within the automotive sector, the NEAA has become an established partner and will act as a mentor to ensure that North East businesses become more engaged and look after talent from the Armed Forces. The alliance has signed

NEAA SIGNS UP TO ARMED FORCES COVENANT

the Armed Forces Covenant and pledges to be an Armed Forces friendly organisation.

The NEAA would like each of their members to become Armed Forces friendly employers, benefitting from the wide range of unique skills and experiences that reservists and veterans can bring to an organisation. Employing Armed Forces community members can help diversify the talent within a workforce.

The Armed Forces Covenant can be signed by:• Businesses of all sizes• Charitable organisations• Local authorities• Public sector organisations

Please contact the NEAA team or the MOD Regional Employer Engagement Director, Darren Rhodes on ne-reed@rfca.mod.uk to discuss this further and join the growing list of companies signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

It was an extremely successful event, which included an Automotive, Rail and Aerospace zone that was heavily populated with NEAA member companies.

AVID Technology was a headline sponsor of the event and donated their winnings from the 2018 NEAA Annual Awards to the Bring it On celebration. They were hailed winners of the RTC North Scale up Business Award and The Comau Trade & Investment Award at the inaugural NEAA Annual Awards on 9th of February, receiving £4,000 in total to donate to a local project of their choice to support an automotive or STEM related project.

Ryan Maughan, managing director of Avid Technology said: “AVID is working at the cutting edge of technology, and we have an award winning team of

engineers and scientists that develop world changing technology at our facility in Cramlington, Northumberland. Raising the aspirations of young people and inspiring them to consider careers in science and engineering is something that we are passionate about, and it is a privilege to have had the opportunity to support a great event like the Big Bang which does exactly that in a great format. We are also hugely grateful to the NEAA who organised the annual awards and the category sponsors RTC North and Comau.”

Meanwhile, Hyperdrive Innovation, also a winner at the NEAA Annual Awards, received £2,000 from the Sunderland University Innovation Award and joined AVID in donating this towards Bring it On.

10 NETWORK

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

CPI SUPPORTS POWERDRIVE LINE TO DEVELOP BATTERY CHARGING

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is collaborating on a solid-state lithium battery project as part of the Government’s Faraday Challenge initiative to deliver ultra-fast battery charging for electric vehicles.

The PowerDrive Line project aims to develop next generation, solid-state battery cells to charge plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Safer and more power-dense battery systems are required to enable charging of these cars in as little as 15 to 25 minutes.

Working alongside lead partners Ilika, Ricardo and UCL (University College London), CPI is applying its knowledge across the formulation sector to help create a lithium-based solid-state Stereax® battery and establish a pre-pilot line for prototype cell technology.

CPI will use its ink formulation and scale-up expertise, including the use of high-throughput equipment for rapid formulation screening, to support the development of the pre-pilot line.

UCL will produce solid state electrolyte materials, via its novel hydrothermal processes, which will be transferred to CPI for formulation, with Ilika using its success in the manufacturing of micro

solid-state batteries to progress the area of solid-state batteries for automotive applications.

The 30-month PowerDrive Line project, part of the Government’s Faraday Battery Challenge, has received more than £4.4million in grant funding and is an integral aspect of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

Seeking to lower carbon emissions and air pollution, this fund supports research and innovation around the development of new battery technologies for future electrified vehicles. This will further strengthen the UK solid-state materials supply chain.

Dr. Graeme Cruickshank, Director of Formulation at CPI, said: “We are delighted to be using our state-of-the-art formulation capabilities to re-apply our expertise from other advanced coatings to create these products for our greener tomorrow.

“While batteries don’t look like a formulated product from the outside, in the way that a detergent or a paint does, the same science is required to achieve the desired complex material distribution and deposition needed to make these work.

“We are very excited to be part of this industrial revolution.”

Details of working to developing novel composites and multi-materials at CPI can be found at: www.uk-cpi.com/novel-composites-and-multi-materials

About CPIThe Centre for Process Innovation is a UK-based technology innovation centre and part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. We use applied knowledge in science and engineering combined with state of the art development facilities to enable our clients to develop, prove, prototype and scale up the next generation of products and processes.

Our open innovation model enables clients to develop products and prove processes with minimal risk. We provide assets and expertise so our customers can demonstrate the process before investing substantial amounts of money in capital equipment and training. New products and processes can be shown to be feasible; on paper, in the lab and in the plant before being manufactured at an industrial scale.

By utilising our proven assets and expertise companies can take their products and processes to market faster. There is no down time in production as all of the process development is completed offsite and our technology transfer and engineering teams can help companies to transfer the product or process into full scale production at speed.

11DECEMBER 2018

TRADE & INVESTMENT

The last quarter has seen the NEAA and its members exhibit at a number of key industry events regionally, nationally and internationally.

South Carolina Trade MissionThe NEAA, along with six member companies took part in a 5-day Trade Mission to South Carolina in the US in October. The companies included Womble Bond Dickinson, TR Fastenings, Senseye, MAKE it Sunderland and AVID Technology.

Some of the highlights of the mission included a visit to Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), a presentation from Upstate SC Alliance showcasing the automotive industry in South Carolina (which is remarkably similar to the North East of England) and lunch at the Consulate General’s residence where delegates met with a number of key automotive organisations. The mission also included presence at the Southern Automotive Conference 2018 where there was the opportunity to meet with several automotive clusters based across North and South Carolina.

Advanced EngineeringAt the end of October, the NEAA and four member companies; TR Fastenings, Flowstore, Zerust UK and MAKE it Sunderland; promoted their wares at the UK’s largest annual advanced engineering event.

Advanced Engineering UK at the NEC in Birmingham is the UK’s largest showcase on the latest advances in engineering,

RAISING THE FLAG FOR THE NORTH EAST AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

converging innovations, latest developments and vital information driving efficiency and profitability to enable UK manufacturers to compete and grow in an ever-competitive global market.

EMCONThe NEAA also attended EMCON at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe this quarter, which showcases the very best of engineering and manufacturing in the North East and beyond.

The event has been running since 2008 and was initially known as Oktoberfest until the re-brand to EMCON earlier this year. The event provided a platform for the region’s SMEs to demonstrate their products and for the second year the Incubator Zone gave the opportunity for new companies to exhibit for the first time.

The NEAA represented the cluster, promoting the capabilities of the sector and recruiting new members to the growing network.

Venturefest North EastOn Wednesday 14 November VentureFest North East welcomed more than 800 delegates to St James’ Park, Newcastle

The NEAA team supported the event, which is all about helping local businesses use innovation to remain relevant, competitive and profitable. It is a full day packed with high-profile speakers, practical hands-on breakout sessions, exhibition, access to finance support and countless opportunities to build connections.

International Automotive Business Meetings (IABM) ConferenceOn 26-27 November, the NEAA attended the International Automotive Business Meetings (IABM) Conference in Poland.

The conference had representatives attend from several countries in Europe and aimed to define the most important changes to the traditional automotive supply chain necessary for the introduction of electric vehicles and specify how E-Mobility and advanced drive assistance systems (ADAS) will affect the automotive sector in the immediate future.

Rohan Kohli represented the NEAA in Poland, participating in a panel discussion about clusters and their influence on E-Mobility and ADAS projects. The IABM Conference also provided an ideal platform for the NEAA to develop links into Austrian, Hungarian and Polish automotive clusters.

12 NETWORK

INTERVIEW OF THE QUARTER

REPROTEC GROUP CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

County Durham-based Reprotec Group, an award-winning surface repair and protection specialist and long-served member of the NEAA, is celebrating 30 years in business.

John Holmes, Managing Director of Reprotec, said: “We at Reprotec are delighted to be celebrating our 30th birthday. We are an SME working across all industry sectors, and the success of our company is a testament to all our staff both past and present, who share our values and commitment.”

To find out more, we asked John Holmes to answer 10 questions about the success of the business...

1. What does Reprotec do and when was Reprotec started?Reprotec Group consists of our Reprotec UK specialist contracting services, an award-winning market leader in surface protection technology, specialising in resin flooring systems including visual floor management signage and H&S demarcations.

Reprotec UK provides bespoke surface solutions for the repair and protection of the fabric of buildings and structures, both concrete and steel, and this includes floors; walls; roofs; tanks; bunds and other industrial vessels.

Reprotec Group also includes our other company, Repair and Maintenance Suppliers, whereby we sell our products to trade and public backed by 30 years of technical support.

The business started in October 1988, and back then we were based at the Gateshead Business Centre TVTE.

2. Why did you start the company?I always had aspirations to be my own boss and working for myself rather than being told what to do.

3. Where did the company name come from?Reprotec is a combination of Rep/air and Pro/tection Tec/hnologies which seemed to sum up what we are all about. We repair and protect the fabric of buildings and structures using resin technologies.

4. Who was your very first customer?Originally, Reprotec was set up as a sales agent selling high-tech surface engineering in conjunction with my former employer, Multi Arc UK Ltd, covering both Scotland and Ireland, so our first customers were not like our present customers. However, it was this work that led us to introduce resins for engineering and maintenance repair compounds, as we saw a need in the market.

We operate nationwide across all sectors, providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for floor and surface protection solutions.

13DECEMBER 2018

5. How has the company developed over the years?Reprotec has always been at the forefront of development, having introduced specialist apprenticeships and other NVQ training up to NVQ Level 6 and degree level management; we have long held accreditations such as CHAS, Constructionline and Investors in People.

The industry was very much in its infancy 30 years ago and since then it has evolved into a profession, with its own trade association; Federation of Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA), of which Reprotec is a long-standing member.

6. How has the company grown? I’m delighted to say that Reprotec has expanded in to becoming Reprotec Group that includes our Reprotec contracting services and our material sales company, Repair and Maintenance Suppliers Ltd that sells our products to trade and public.

7. What are your company values? Reprotec’s values have never changed in 30 years and are very much based upon my personal values of quality, honesty, integrity, respect, care, hard work and giving people an opportunity to develop personally and in their career within the industry; all our staff are fully employed and trained to a high standard.

Reprotec is committed to its environmental and sustainability ethos, having introduced our ‘Green-Theme’ approach to our contracting services; and as a fully-licenced waste carrier, Reprotec operates a policy of no dust, no fumes, 100% recycling and 100% landfill avoidance.

8. What’s your proudest achievement?Seeing Reprotec Team develop personally and professionally. This is highlighted by five of our operatives completing the first ever of our industrial sector NVQ level 2 in specialist Floor Laying back in 2005. They were part of an initial cohort of nineteen, and those guys are still employed by Reprotec today; and this was their basis for progressing further within the business.

9. What does the future hold?The foundation and ethos of Reprotec Group is very strong and the opportunities for growth are exceptional. The challenge to our Reprotec Team is getting there.

10. What advice would you give to new start-up companies?Be strong with your beliefs and values, and your systems of work. Look after your people; aim to give them the tools to achieve their very best.

More about Reprotec GroupBased in Langley Moor, County Durham, Reprotec Group provides its repair and protection solutions to a wide range of industries, cutting the cost of maintenance and repair and improving the longevity of the fabric of buildings. It provides a full customer care service of multi-purpose and bespoke surface solutions for floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, chemical bunds and other industrial vessels, from initial site visit to final installation and aftercare.

As an award-winning business with 30 years’ experience, Reprotec UK Ltd provides its products to a number of high-profile NEAA members.

For further details on Reprotec Group:Tel: 0191 378 2566Email: info@reprotec.net

www.reprotec.co.uk www.rmsuppliers.com

14 NETWORK

MEMBER NEWS

NEW PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS TOMLINSON HALL’S WORLD-CLASS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

Billingham, UK-based pump distributor Tomlinson Hall has announced a partnership with manufacturer ITT Goulds Pumps in a move that will further strengthen the firm’s portfolio – and extend the reach of ITT Goulds Pumps’ products.

ITT Goulds has pump manufacturing facilities around the world, including the UK. ITT manufactures a full range of centrifugal process pumps. These include, but are not limited to, API horizontal + vertical, ANSI + ISO sealed and sealless chemical pumps, plus the Bluetooth rotating equipment monitoring solution.

The partnership will add another world-class pump range to Tomlinson Hall’s portfolio and means the multi-award-winning firm can offer ITT Goulds Pumps’ innovative technology to its customers in sectors including marine, industrial, food processing and pharma.

Through the partnership, Tomlinson Hall will also distribute the ITT Bornemann range of twin screw pumps: these products have a wide range of applications, are self-priming and are designed to allow for reverse flow by simply reversing the motor rotation.

ITT Industrial Process is headquartered in Seneca Falls, New York, and

offers a portfolio of world-leading brands in industrial pumps, valves, monitoring/control equipment and plant optimisation and efficiency solutions, as well as aftermarket services and parts from its UK base.

ITT Goulds Pumps is the only manufacturer to make digital monitoring standard on every process pump and is renowned for its adoption of smart technologies.

Colin Simpson, business development director at Tomlinson Hall, said: “We’re delighted to have entered into this distribution partnership with ITT Goulds Pumps, a well-respected brand synonymous with quality and world-leading innovation.

“We pride ourselves on providing end users with pump systems that can solve their challenges and by offering products from the ITT Goulds Pumps and ITT Bornemann ranges, we are able to provide a wider range of solutions to our customers.”

The Newcastle-based company won the awards for Fastest Growing Medium Business and Overall Fastest Growing Business at the event.

NBT Integrated Services took home a double win at the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards 2018. The Newcastle-based company won the awards for Fastest Growing Medium Business and Overall Fastest Growing Business at the event, which recognises and celebrates the fastest growing privately-owned companies across the region.

NBT Integrated Services provide stock control through the use of storeroom management and intelligent vending machines. The family-run firm, which was established 110 years ago, rose to the top of this year’s list of fast-growing businesses by growing its turnover by on average more than 78% a year over the past three years.

Toby Bridges, CEO, said: “I’m amazed that we are the fastest-growing company in the North East. I’ve done 25 years’ service and I’m marking 10 years as chief exec this month. So to be the fastest-growing company in the North East is just absolutely phenomenal. And thanks to my dad who has always been very supportive of me and let me bring on my ideas.

“It’s incredible to think that for 110 years we have supply-chain managed North East companies. My great-grandfather managed electrical spares for the trams that ran around Newcastle. My great-grandmother took over the business from him with her three daughters and managed lighting and telephones for the coal mines.

“When I took over from my dad, the business was in a much trickier market and the recession was incredibly difficult. All I wanted to do was ensure we moved on as a business so that we might have the opportunity to pass it on to the fifth generation.

“This award is an amazing accolade for the team around me. I recognise now how tough growth is and I’m truly thankful for them sticking by me, and developing most of my often random ideas. There were some brilliant people and companies in the Fastest 50 list, so I’m just humbled to be here.”

NBT INTEGRATED SERVICES DOUBLE WIN AT WARD HADAWAY NORTH EAST FASTEST 50 AWARDS 2018

15JUNE 2018DECEMBER 2018

One of the world’s leading automotive seating suppliers, Lear Corporation, has teamed up with Gateshead College to roll-out a UK-wide apprenticeship programme.

BackgroundLear Corporation joined forces with Gateshead College and its strategic partner, Cidori, to develop a skills programme designed to help the company improve efficiency, boost productivity and increase employee engagement. Gateshead College has a 60-year track record of developing vocational learning programmes that help firms across the country build skilled workforces for the future.

Approach and SolutionInitial training took place at Lear’s Coventry operation, which employs in excess of 1,100 staff. More than 100 apprentices employed at the site took part in a variety of projects designed to improve the smooth running of production lines, make the workplace safer, boost morale and reduce unnecessary waste and costs.

Following the success of this pilot programme, it has been rolled out to Lear operatives and line managers at other sites across the country, including the Sunderland plant. Outcome and AdvantageThe training has equipped apprentices with the skills, knowledge and understanding to meet the challenges and changing needs of a modern production environment. It also allows them to work towards a Business Improvement Techniques qualification.

The programme delivers overall improved efficiency, increased productivity and better employee engagement across Lear Corporation, together with reduced downtime and improved quality on the production lines.

“We wanted to find ways of encouraging our operatives to come forward with suggestions on how to improve not only themselves but the business. That’s why we’ve developed this training programme with Gateshead College and Cidori, to give apprentices the skill set as well as the opportunity to make improvements that will have a significant impact. In the initial phase, we’ve seen a rise in productivity, a reduction in scrap and an increase in staff engagement. Already we can see the value in this; we’ve become leaner and more efficient by reducing downtime and improving quality on the production lines. We can grow and develop our UK business while giving our staff the confidence and skills to progress in their careers.”Adam Ford / Continuous Improvement Manager / Lear Corporation

“We’re thrilled to be working with Lear on the roll-out of their national apprenticeship programme, which will see them cement their position as a market leader in the automotive supply chain. We already have expertise in delivering a number of national training programmes with employers and work closely with them to ensure the training meets their evolving business needs. This gives companies a better chance of hitting their growth targets by becoming more productive and competitive.” Ivan Jepson / Director of Business Development / Gateshead College

To find out more about Gateshead College and the courses on offer, visit:www.gateshead.ac.uk

AUTOMOTIVE FIRM DRIVES FORWARD WITH NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME WITH FELLOW NEAA MEMBER

MEMBER COLLABORATION

16 NETWORK

Services for the Automotive Industry

Würth Industry Service UK is part of Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co. KG, based in Bad Mergentheim Germany, and is one of the world’s largest industrial distributors. Würth Industry Service in the United Kingdom is located in Cardiff, South Wales.

The company is specialised in Vendor Managed Inventory programs for fasteners and fixing as well as MRO products under the brand CPS® C-Parts Solutions for industrial customers.

As a partner, Würth Industry Service optimizes supply and logistics processes by offering modular solutions for production material. It includes storage and retrieval systems, warehousing, re-stocking and ordering systems, as well as consumption controlled supply modules such as kanban or vending machines.

Customers benefit from direct deliveries to their production lines. The needs of the automotive industry have been deepened by the early establishment of a separate division and in-house expertise. Thereby, the focus of the business is not only product quality including its certifications. Important are also consulting services, standardization and process safety for the worldwide supply in the production halls or on the site.

The technical application supports the customers’ company in planning, construction and development.

Würth Industry Service offers worldwide equal, individual and integrated systems and provides a maximum of supply and process security.

For further information please contact:Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co. KG Unit 3 Centre Court I Treforest Industrial EstateCardiff I South Wales I CF37 5YRTel: +44 1443 846080Email: info@wurthindustry.uk

www.wurthindustry.uk

Orange Bus helps global organisations, brands and governments deliver authentic, profitable and engaging interactions with their users.

By putting customers at the heart of a digital strategy, we transform the quality and value of your interactions with your customers. highly engaged customers buy more, talk and promote more, and demonstrate more loyalty, resulting in lasting relationships.

As digital partner to Formula 1 team Force India, we are re-defining the interactive space between fans, the team and the technology to create a better experience for everyone. Our user-centric design approach enables companies to anticipate and exceed customer expectations whilst surpassing business requirements.

We’re currently helping Porsche Motorsport have a single and real time source of information for everyone involved in race weekends around the globe, over 3000 cars and all their teams at any one time. By moving Porsche’s race plan to a real time app, we’re helping them to improve the experience of their teams on race weekends and the operational costs of managing this. Early estimates indicate a potential cost reduction of 86%.

By engaging with Orange Bus on your operational efficiency, you will increase productivity and ultimately save money: we can help

you serve more customers, serve customers faster, make sales faster, get through more in a day, or get through more with the same resource.

For more information please contact:Tel: 0191 2413703

www.orangebus.co.uk

NEW NEAA MEMBERS

Orange Bus

Würth Industry Service UK

Galaxy Safety can also offer glove trials with every completed site survey, toolbox talks and customised posters.

For further information please contact:Tel: 0191 691 2860 Email: info@galaxysafety.co.uk

www.galaxysafety.co.uk

17

Galaxy Safety Solutions offers unrivalled value-added benefits to its hand protection products including control of quality, design technology, customer service and support.

Galaxy Safety is as demanding as the consumer and always places manufacturing emphasis on the users priorities and requirements, serving both distributors and end users.

Galaxy Safety can engage with end users to help:● Identify where improvements can be made to the safety of those on site● Compliance with current EN Standards and legislations● Support a total acquisition cost approach to significantly reduce annual expenditure, improve employee care and support safety improvement goals

We are pleased to offer members of the NEAA a free, no obligation, hand protection site survey.

Surveys are carried out by hand protection specialist Billy Auld, who has over 30 years’ experience having worked directly for top manufacturers, alongside suppliers and distributors.

Following the site survey, you will receive a copy of your Glove Site Survey Report which will detail suggested hand protection products to alleviate the risk of injury.

Engineering and Technical Recruitment Specialists Based in South Tyneside, Demob Job is a long-established engineering and technical recruitment specialist for ex-military personnel - bridging the gap between the automotive sectorand personnel leaving the military.

Ex-military candidates have a breadth of aptitude, skills and training which can greatly contribute to a company’s growth and success. Acting as an extension of its client’s team or as an outsourced recruitment partner, Demob Job utilises its extensive military insight coupled with its expertise in engineering and technical roles to identify the right candidates to save clients time and ensure a bespoke and efficient recruitment process. It prides itself on having the best ‘talent pool’ of candidates who have previously served in the Armed Forces; Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Operating nationwide, the company works in a wide range of sectors including automotive, manufacturing and engineering and supports its clients with both permanent and contract employment.

Adrian Cheesman, Managing Director at Demob Job, said “Ex-military personnel offer employers an ideal candidate with a number of transferrable skills and qualities including leadership, discipline, determination, the ability to stay calm under pressure, team work and being goal driven. Furthermore, having worked in some of the most demanding environments, ex-military personnel

bring different life experiences to the team as well as, in many cases, excellent technical capabilities.

“Our candidates are suitable for a wide range of automotive roles including maintenance engineers both electrical and mechanical, health and safety, engineering management and project management.”

Contact Demob Job to find out how the team can help you with your recruitment needs:Tel: 0191 427 4655Email: enquiry@demobjob.co.uk

www.demobjob.co.uk

Demob Job

Galaxy Safety Solutions

DECEMBER 2018

the NHS Step into Health and Defence Professional Placement Programme, with plans to introduce other industry sectors with skills gaps in the near future.

For further information please contact:Darren Rhodes I Regional Employer Engagement DirectorTel: 0191 383 6260 Email: ne-reed@rfca.mod.uk

www.rfca-ne.org.uk/employer-support/

18 NETWORK

NEW NEAA MEMBERS

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for the North of England is a publicly funded organisation that conducts Employer Engagement on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. We provide support to reservists of all services through the Defence Relationship Management organisation that provides the interface between the military and those employers who have reserves on their staff, those who seek more information or those who are supporting reserves whilst on operational deployment.

The RFCA support the MOD by providing visibility of reserve and cadet issues and solutions. We also promote the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme to supportive employers that then offers a range of assistance from recruiting staff from the Regular Force service leavers to accessing Defence specific forums.

The North of England region is one of the UK’s most supportive, with almost 150 Armed Forces Covenant signatory organisations, 163 Bronze, 58 Silver and 9 Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award winners.

We are also partnered with other service providers, such as Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and the Officer’s Association (OA), who assist in placing our ex-Forces talent with organisations. Successful schemes being delivered include

Cornhill FX is an independent provider of foreign exchange and international payments – our values and ethos are unique, with a major emphasis placed on client service.

The company has been founded on strong principles, integrity and experience within the industry.

At Cornhill FX we pride ourselves on understanding global data and how it effects the FX market and our dealers have been trained to give clear concise insight based on a thorough understanding of specific client requirements.

Each client is offered a bespoke service giving them the up most confidence that their transactions are handled in a sufficient and cost effective manner. Our client retention is exceptionally high servicing them for a considerable amount of time, we have managed to build a strong on-going relationship.

As an FX/Payment Institution, it is our mission to deliver a fast, efficient and effective service in the transaction and transfer of foreign currencies for both corporate and private clients.

Cornhill FX is part of the Cornhill group of companies which offers a variety of investment products through its associate Cornhill Capital, a leading FCA regulated investment company.

Our company website outlines the breadth of our services, and includes regular updates on the financial markets, which we feel will benefit our clients.

For further information please contact:Graham Nicholson I FX Currency ConsultantTel: +44 203 409 5400Email: grahamn@cornhillfx.com

www.cornhillfx.com

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA)

Cornhill FX

A-SAFE is passionate about workplace safety. Their knowledge is respected to such an extent that they are technical authors of the world’s first and only code of practice for workplace safety barriers; partnering with the BSI to create PAS13. This PAS provides critical traffic management procedures and a standard for the safety barriers within them, raising standards globally.

For further information please contact: Tel: 01422 331133Email: sales@asafe.com

www.asafe.com

A-SAFE has specialised in the manufacture of plastic and polymer products since its inception in 1984. In 2001 the company invented the world’s first industrial strength polymer safety barrier.

On impact from a workplace vehicle, A-SAFE barriers flex, absorb the force, then reform to their original shape; preventing incidents and saving costs on repairs, maintenance and downtime. Their innovative safety products have become the go-to solution for the world’s largest organisations.

From automotive to aerospace; manufacturing to distribution, A-SAFE’s commitment and passion to evolve, develop and grow above and beyond all expectation is evident. Investing millions of pounds in custom-built machinery to ensure their quality and attention to detail is inherent throughout every element of the process.

From research and development to design, testing and manufacture the entire end-to-end process is owned and controlled at their HQ in the UK before being shipped around the world. With 76 % of total sales being to export markets; A-SAFE’s “global and local” approach hinges on trusted partnerships with 15 international subsidiaries and 30 resellers across the globe.

19

A-Safe

We are RaisedBy - technology consultants with a strong track record of working with advanced manufacturers. We are experts in helping businesses make the most of technology and data to reduce waste and improve efficiencies. In our experience, the challenges we often see in manufacturing companies include...

● Vast variety of data available, but taking days, weeks or months for this to be combined, delivered and analysed efficiently, in a way that is meaningful to the business● Challenges in pulling together information from multiple sources● Spreadsheets being the go-to tool to store and analyse business critical information - creating a single point of failure for data loss, corruption or damage● Management waiting on information which they feel should be easily accessible● Lack of or no real-time information● Huge wait times between data requests, and information being delivered● Data being produced, in difficult to understand, overly complex ways

We offer a free diagnostic to all NEAA members to unearth opportunities to make improvements including...● Maximise the data available and improve information flow

● Streamline processes, creating real-time data to allow for faster decision making● Centralise data and increase visibility from shop floor to boardroom● Improve effectiveness of support function activities● Reduce waste and non-value added activities● Helping IT departments become aligned with other business functions to deliver on Board aspirations for digitalisation

Customers benefit from our ability to combine our vast business and commercial experience with our knowledge of what is possible with data and technology. Driving innovation, change and an expanded awareness of what is possible and the know-how to make it happen! For further information please contact: Email: hello@raisedby.co.uk

www.raisedby.co.uk

RaisedBy

DECEMBER 2018

Worldwide Corrosion Solutions

The largest automotive cluster in the UK

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ar!controls!

NEAA Panel E 2mx3m.indd 1 21/10/2018 19:59

BE PART OF OUR NETWORK

To find out more, please visitwww.northeastautomotivealliance.com/members-area/members-directory/