Large production runs are being lost overseas

In the UK large production runs are being lost to overseas competition and we are ending up with small batch work, quick deliveries and difficult development type projects, reported the MMMA.

The 54th Annual General Meeting of the Metalforming Machinery Makers' Association was held at the National Metalforming Centre, West Bromwich in the West Midlands on Wednesday 18th June 2003.

Tim Albutt, Chairman emphasised in his keynote speech that although trading continues to be difficult and there does not appear to be any quick solution, the MMMA continues to attract new members.

He said: "Trading over the last 12 months for the majority of companies has been difficult and I cannot see any short term solution.

In fact I would say that there is still no light at the end of the tunnel.

More and more UK manufacturers are increasingly sourcing components from around the World and this trend continues to accelerate.

Low overheads and wages, combined with low insurance costs and less red tape, favourable exchange rates are making shopping around the World very attractive.

In the UK large production runs are being lost to overseas competition and we are ending up with small batch work, quick deliveries and difficult development type projects.

At the MMMA we have continued to raise our profile in the metalforming industry and we have now made our web site interactive, so that members can update their own sections.

We are now looking forward to MACH 2004 at the NEC, Birmingham in March next year and we have again negotiated favourable exhibiting rates for our members.

The MMMA will again have its own hospitality and information stand at the show.

As an Association we continue to look at ways to assist members to exhibit at both UK and Overseas exhibitions.

I am pleased to announce that Mick Hall of SMV Presses (UK) based in Coventry has agreed to be my Vice Chairman and his contribution will be gratefully appreciated.

I would like to thank all members for the support they have given to me and I look forward to taking the MMMA forward during the remaining period of my time in office, a period that will probably provide us with great challenges in a difficult economic climate for manufacturers and their suppliers alike." The MMMA is a body incorporated in 1948 open to all British based manufacturers and distributors of metalforming machinery and associated equipment, including tooling.

The main objective of the Association is to be a central organisation promoting the interests of all members involved in the manufacture and sale of metalforming machinery and associated products in the United Kingdom.

The MMMA is a member of METCOM (Mechanical and Metals Trades Confederation), who undertake all duties and functions of the Association's Secretariat.

They also give the association representation with UK and EC related statutory, governmental and commercial bodies and opinion leaders as well as numerous other services including training solutions and business support offered by METCOM.

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