Companies in the West Midlands are being given an opportunity to learn from a quartet of manufacturers in March.

The Inside Manufacturing Enterprise (IME) Programme, which has assisted more than 650 firms since its launch in 2003, has announced a line up of best practice factory tours that will tackle current industry challenges.

The next will take place at PP Electrical Systems on March 6, looking at lean manufacturing and implementing a training roadmap followed by a visit to Coventry’s FARO UK on March 15 that will focus on non contact measuring in a manufacturing environment.

Funded by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and delivered by Coventry University Enterprise, the programme will continue on March 20 at Alcon Components (business management performance and working with MAS) before coming to a close on March 28 at Renishaw.

The last visit will focus on the important topics of introducing new products and manufacturing philosophy and control.

Michelle Connors, IME Project Officer, said: “Our visits offer unique insights into the different issues and challenges facing companies in the region and how they have been overcome, warts and all.

“They highlight the successes, but also potential pitfalls that can be encountered when adopting new practices.

“There is also the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals to gain inspiration and practical advice to common problems and with our technology showcase we are inviting companies to bring parts along that they are struggling to measure.”

To book a place or for further information please contact Nicole Barraclough on 07974 984128 or email nbarraclough@cad.coventry.ac.uk