BIRMINGHAM, UK- 1st April 2004- Accelerate is giving Birmingham automotive suppliers the opportunity to embrace 42volt technology through an exciting partnership with TRW Conekt.
The supply chain initiative has teamed up with the R&D arm of the 1st tier giant to rollout a number of seminar and interest groups, as part of a new High Voltage Specialist Centre designed to help the region take advantage of the new advancement.
Current 12/14 volt standards are slowly being replaced by the vehicle manufacturers, with demand for greater power and efficiency leading to a global desire to develop increased performance through 42volts, explained Alan Williams, Electrical Systems Manager at TRW Conekt and the driving force behind the project.
He continued: The technology has already been used by some global VM's and is expected to be introduced into the market in earnest by 2005. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Birmingham suppliers, which, if embraced with enthusiasm and commitment, may just become the missing ingredient for beating off competition from the Far East and Eastern Europe.
The Accelerate Specialist Centre, which follows in the footsteps of the Environmental Sustainability, Legal and Six Sigma hubs, will run two seminars in April (Thursday 8th and Tuesday 27th) to provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of the technology and issues SME's can expect to face.
Longer term, the emphasis will be on creating a number of special interest groups to help develop processes, products and a general code of practice for the introduction of 42volts.
This impending breakthrough affects such a large audience, including suppliers of electronic systems, electrical components, sub assemblies and materials. Our aim is to bring together the complementary expertise and commitment of these firms and, through access to industry-leading technical support, help prepare and develop systems that could put the West Midlands firmly on the global map.
A number of leading experts have been quick to add their backing to the Specialist Centre, with the RAC, SMMT Industry Forum, Warwick Manufacturing Group and Newcastle-based wiring specialist Leoni all involved in the steering group.
Steve Cunnane, Project Manager for Acccelerate, believes it is an opportunity too good to miss:
It's not a case of if, but when 42volts is going to happen and we are giving Birmingham suppliers the chance to not only be prepared, but actually take advantage of the new technology by learning from specialists and bringing their own skills to the table.
He went on to add: The seminars will raise awareness and encourage debate, whilst the interest groups will create a forum for developing best practice and tangible services. There will also be an opening for SME's to tap into other areas of Accelerate support, such as Business Development and Capital Equipment grants, to help make the projects a success.
Alan concluded: This is an excellent opportunity for local companies to get ahead of the game and, with even higher voltage systems currently being tested in a range of hybrid vehicles, promises to be one of the biggest developments to hit the industry in years.
Managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Accelerate is funded by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF and assisted nearly 200 local companies in 2003 through a mix of financial and strategic support.
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Notes to Editors:
TRW Conekt
Conekt was launched in November 2001 to promote TRW's capability in consultancy, engineering, knowledge and technology to the external marketplace.
Such has been the success of the organisation in attracting non-group business, it has now broadened its product offering to include a range of administrative services, including Finance, IT, HR and Health and Safety consultancy.
Going forward, Conekt continues to drive automotive and engineering innovation by working with academia and industry on the pursuit of best in class development.
Accelerate
Established in 1996 to promote automotive businesses in the West Midlands, Accelerate has grown into one of the most successful supply chain initiatives in the UK.
Driven by the changing face of the industry, the programme has assisted over 1000 companies in implementing best practice manufacturing systems, securing production efficiencies and cultivating workforce development.
Going forward, Accelerate has recently secured a £90m support package, which will be channelled into supporting the evolving needs of the West Midlands supply chain, as it maximises the global opportunities of the 21st century.
Accelerate offers financial assistance towards:
• Business Development
• Capital Equipment
• Collaborative Supplier Networks
• Management and Workforce Development
• Specialist Centres
• Supply Chain Improvement Programmes
The programme, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF, is managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and is a regional partnership of Business Links, SMMT Industry Forum, Universities and a number of vehicle manufacturers.
The European Regional Development Fund provides assistance for investment which creates or maintains jobs, for infrastructure projects, for education and training in development of local businesses, and for research and development.
Issued by HCL Marketing Communications, The Innovation Centre, Keele University Science Park, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5NB.
For further details or interview opportunities, please contact Russ Cockburn or Kay Phillips, 01782 667050. Email: russ@hcl.uk.com
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