Member Article

MAN all set for Subcon 2012

A unique manufacturing collaboration is set to display the world’s most effective flood protection system and a breakthrough in electric powered vehicles at Subcon 2012.

The Midlands Assembly Network, which is on stand G45, will give delegates the chance to see first hand the ‘Self Closing Flood Barrier’ and the ‘Raptor’ – a road legal three-wheeled EPV that is already attracting attention from Dubai and Singapore.

Made up of nine companies specialising in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes, MAN has played a crucial role in both projects with Lightning Aerospace chosen by Global Flood Defence Systems as its sheet metal fabricator and FW Cables developing specialist wiring looms for the vehicle.

These contracts are the latest in a long-line of high profile orders won by the collective, with Alucast also manufacturing the aluminium components that hold in place the inner and outer skin of the London 2012 Olympic Torch.

Gerry Dunne, Chairman of MAN, picked up the story:

“Subcon is one of our most important shows and we’re hoping to build on 2011’s appearance where we received in excess of 50 new leads.

“And this year should be even better with what we have on display. The ‘Raptor’ is the first of any 3-wheeled electric powered vehicle that has met the requirements of the UK’s Vehicle and Operating Servicing Agency (VOSA)…and better still it’s all been designed and made in the Midlands.”

He continued: “Initially, they are looking to build 60 vehicles and then ramp up production gradually until they are manufacturing 3000 units per year.”

Andrew Redfern, Chief Executive of Lightning Aerospace, picked up the story:

“We were successful in a competitive tender earlier this year to become the sheet metal fabricator for Global Flood Defence Systems and its revolutionary ‘Self Closing Flood Barrier’.

“It’s totally passive and is activated purely by buoyancy, removing the need for power or manual labour to erect. It has been successfully installed around the world and future sales both at home and abroad are strong.

“We will have a small demonstration model at Subcon 2012 so visitors can see exactly how it works and why it is so effective in protecting buildings and homes from flooding.”

The Midlands Assembly Network includes Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, FW Cables, Lightning Aerospace, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments and Westley Engineering.

It offers customers a central point of contact to nine firms, state-of-the-art factories and a combined 600-strong highly skilled workforce with expertise spanning from aluminium castings and precision pressings to chemical etching and cable harnesses.

Clients use the group to reduce costs and access a single sourcing strategy that boasts world class technical and prototyping capabilities.

“Across the group, our member companies hold all the necessary accreditations, including ISO 9001, TS16949, ISO14001, AS9100, SC21, UL508A, J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 and a host of customer approvals from the OEMs,” explained Gerry.

“We’ve also seen wide-scale investment across all nine firms, with in more than £2m spent on new machinery, recruitment and extending factories.”

For further information, please visit www.man-group.co.uk, contact 0845 034 6676 or visit G45 at Subcon. Follow us @man_group_ on twitter

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .