Manufacturers in Fife to benefit from enhanced business support
As the nation begins to recover from one of the worst economic downturns since the 1930s, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) has introduced new resources and increased the size of its team in Fife.
SMAS, launched four years ago through Scottish Enterprise, provides expert advice and one-to-one support, as well as training, to help manufacturers improve their productivity and generate cost savings. The value-added impact of SMAS since it was launched exceeds £41 million to the Scottish economy.
Under the direction of Jerome Finlayson, the Fife team now numbers seven and collectively brings over 120 years manufacturing experience to the area.
Jerome said; "With over 32% of Scotland's manufacturers based in the East of Scotland, I'm delighted that we've been able to increase the breadth of our service and depth of expertise. Additionally, we have been facilitating a number of best practice visits in order for manufacturers across the area to work together and share best practice to help weather the recession." A further event will be held later in May at FMC Technologies - see the SMAS website for further details.
In addition to the practical support and free manufacturing review SMAS already offers to manufacturers, the team has developed its service offering. The team provides increased specialist support in areas of lean supply-chain management, lean procurement and materials sourcing, as well as manufacturing leadership and strategy.
The SMAS team has worked with over 230 companies in the East of Scotland so far to complete a one day manufacturing review and has delivered more than 50 subsequent projects. The team is currently working with 21 companies on separate improvement projects - projects that are set to deliver a business productivity benefit of over £10m to local businesses.
SMAS is delivered throughout the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise areas. For further information visit www.scottishmas.co.uk or contact the team on 0845 607 8787.
