CEO of Klarius calls for appropriate apportioning of government support for MAS-NW

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Klarius Group, the Manchester-based manufacturer of high-quality automotive original equipment and aftermarket brands, is one the fastest growing automotive aftermarket manufacturing and supply businesses in the world today. It offers in excess of 100,000 parts for the majority of cars used throughout Europe, supplying some 40,000 to over 5,000 delivery points in more than 136 countries every day.

And most remarkably, as a great British company, it has actually expanded and grown during the recession to become a £320million turnover enterprise. The group is driven by the principles of manufacturing excellence and extols the virtues of the messages imparted by The Manufacturing Institute and the Manufacturing Advisory Service NW that it delivers in encouraging businesses to operate a flexible production system to adapt production to meet demand.

Tony Wilson, is a great believer in common sense government legislation, the removal of red tape and a level playing field so that British manufacturers can compete with the best of foreign companies and importers.

He said: “It is my understanding that the MAS-NW contract has been successfully delivered by The Manufacturing Institute since 2002, and has helped over 4,000 manufacturers in the region to generate financial returns totaling in excess of £800 million while at the same time safeguarding over 8,800 jobs.

“My concern is that the creation of a centralised, nationally-managed MAS contract might not be in the best interest of the North West, where MAS-NW has clearly shown to have a deep understanding of the best way to deliver local benefits in this, the country’s most active and important manufacturing region.

“Larger manufacturers, in particular those with multinational operations, are in a better-placed position to weather the storm of recessionary times than the smaller-sized enterprise. Small businesses suffer from cash flow problems, slow or late payers and lack of access to finance, so rely on the help and assistance available from the specially-dedicated service MAS provides to steer them through.

“Even in good times, smaller manufacturers need specialist and dedicated on-going regional help and support, such as that provided by MAS, to ensure their businesses remain robust, competitive and profitable.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The Manufacturing Advisory Service offers manufacturing companies with practical, hands-on support in all aspects of manufacturing to help achieve improvements in productivity and competitiveness. The service includes:
• A direct helpline - 0800 093 9077
• A free manufacturing review
• A programme of factory visits and networking events
• Subsidised consultancy support
• Links in to other support organisations

2. The Manufacturing Advisory Service provides information and advice on many issues:
• Increasing productivity
• Developing new products
• Improving supply chain performance
• Sourcing suppliers
• Developing a manufacturing strategy
• Improving resource efficiency
• Managing change

3. Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)

The Northwest Regional Development Agency works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of its businesses, people and places. Utilising our technical expertise and strategic influence, we help the region’s 250,000+ businesses to develop and grow, as well as supporting international trade and encouraging inward investment. For further information visit www.nwda.co.uk

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The Manufacturing Advisory Service in the North West (MAS-NW) provides manufacturing businesses in the region with practical, hands-on support focused on creating bottom line benefits. Whether you're looking to raise productivity or develop new ideas our experts are here to help and if you are a SME all our support is either free or highly subsidised.