MASWM

Roy Pulley, head of innovation at MASWM, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the West Midlands to show its outstanding design and manufacturing strengths and we will be doing everything we can to support our businesses to register their interest."

The firm has received strategic diversification help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MASWM) as part of the business support organisation's Automotive Response Programme.

The Innovation Advisory Service is delivered by Business Link West Midlands, which has recently chosen the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MASWM) to spearhead the dedicated assistance for manufacturers.

Springpart, which employs 41 people at Washford Industrial Estate, has teamed up with the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands (MASWM) and Midlands Surface Analysis (MSA) to develop a new process for producing more corrosion-resistant springs that can pass recently-introduced industry tests.

They are also utilising the International Marketing service provided by MASWM, in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), to support product promotion at an exhibition in Shanghai later this year.

With the volatility of the energy market and faced with a potential doubling of gas prices, Brockhouse turned to MASWM in 2008 to seek ways of reducing gas consumption.

Quick Food Products, which employs ten people at its factory in Cross Street North, worked with theManufacturing Adv sory Service-West Midlands (MASWM) to develop the new products.

Coming into a new role as Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MASWM), I have had the opportunity recently to visit a number of small manufacturing businesses in the region and see what the current situation is like firsthand.

"The support we have had from MASWM has been fantastic.

Burcas, a specialist precision engineering company, is one of the first companies in the region to sign-up for the World Class Supply Chain Initiative delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands (MASWM).

It is believed that MASWM and Business Link will not be considered for funding cuts.

David Wright, chief executive of MASWM, explained: "Industry has felt the pinch more than most and nearly every firm is suffering from reduced sales and business opportunities, which leaves companies with one option and that is to become leaner in the way they operate.