Lean Manufacturing Research - Project Partners

SimX

SimX are a new company formed to take forward a range of developments in simulation, design and PLM software as well as supporting the growing user base for Visual Components simulation in UK and Ireland. SimX are the UK Value Added Reseller for Visual Components, Finland and have extensive experience in using Discrete Event Software to solve real world problems in application areas such as Robotics and Lean Manufacture. In addition SimX are a Full Service Reseller for the suite of next generation CAD software from SpaceClaim Corporation, USA. SimX also provides Polytrans from Okino, Canada and the range of CAD translation tools from Sycode, India.

De Montfort University

David Stockton is Professor of Manufacturing Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering and Technology. He is Director of the Centre for Manufacturing and leads the Lean Engineering Research Group within this centre. He has amassed over 20 years research, industrial and project management experience in the fields of cost modelling and the optimisation of manufacturing systems design. This experience has been utilised in a number of research and consultancy projects for leading UK aerospace and automotive organisations. Of particular relevance is his work at Airbus (UK) Ltd where he was the Project Director for a major consultancy project that involves the development of models for a wide range of advanced composite manufacturing processes. Previous EPSRC projects have included "Responsive Design and Operation of Flexible Machining Lines", (EPSRC Ref: GR/ N05871), where the principal aim was to make available procedures for automatically designing and optimising Multi-Component Flexible Machining Lines (MCFMLs). In achieving this aim the work involved integrating a commercial simulation system with genetic algorithms optimization routines. He has also applied genetic algorithms to a range of operations planning problems including aggregate planning, MRP batch sizing, facilities layout and assembly line sequencing. DMU have particular experience of implementing lean within SMEs through an East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) funded initiative. Professor Stockton has published 20 journal papers and over 50 conference papers and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology journal and the Manufacturing Committee of the Association of Cost Engineers.

Virtalis

Virtalis have helped businesses across a variety of market sectors, ranging from the automotive, aerospace and construction industries to academics, engineers, entertainers, retailers and the military. Companies using Virtalis tools and techniques have generated proven tangible and intangible benefits whilst reducing risk and include BAE all of which provide excellent examples of the commercial use of VR technology. Systems, Paccar/Leyland Trucks, Terex/Fermec, the RAF and Fiat/Elasis.

They have played a part in some of the most novel developments in VR. They invented the world's first force feedback glove and created the first virtual supermarket for Sainsbury's. They were among the first to harness VR techniques in the medical arena, inventing a VR trainer for surgeons. Their work in the engineering and defence sectors accelerated the design of the Rolls-Royce Trent engine, helped the development of PTC's unrivalled DIVISION MockUp software, removed the ammunitions bill for the Royal Navy's GMPG training and transformed helicopter crew training for the RAF.

They have a highly experienced team of software, hardware electronics, human factors and design specialists who have won several prizes and enjoy an envied national and international reputation. They provide hardware and software system design, application and development services and training courses.

Sustainable Technology Solutions

STSL is an independent energy consultancy based in Leicestershire. The company consists of a highly qualified and multi-disciplinary team that has a successful track record of delivering a wide range of technology, business development and supply chain analysis programmes on behalf of both private and public sector clients. In particular STSL provides market analysis, feasibility studies, training solutions and design services for the low carbon, renewable energy and engineering supply chain industries. STSL have introduced state of the art technologies during projects and have been involved in the design and construction of a range of renewable energy systems. Key features of their capability are the ability to deliver engineering solutions as well as knowledge services and advice. They have also worked within and managed projects in the framework of EU and UK government funding and are currently engaged in both technological evaluations and energy policy assignments.

They see the project as providing them with the tools that will enable them to enable their customers to directly impact their energy costs particularly SMEs. They have a high level of experience in developing models for predicting the system performance of energy generation methods and using modelling to assist in system design. They possess detailed knowledge of operational characteristics for a wide variety of energy generation technologies which will be essential in developing the energy related project deliverables. Dr Seare has taught operations planning and control at postgraduate and undergraduate levels at DMU and is, therefore, fully familiar with state-of-art forecasting techniques.

Perkins

Perkins Engines Company Ltd is a part of Caterpillar Inc. and is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of industrial diesel engines. For nearly 70 years Perkins has led the field in the design and manufacture of high-performance engines. Products range from 5 to over 2,600 hp, and their engines power more than 5000 different applications from over 1,000 major equipment manufacturers in the construction, power generation, materials handling, agricultural and general industrial markets, Often engines are purpose-built to suit customer�s needs. Thay have manufacturing plants and offices located in Peterborough, Shrewsbury, Stafford and Northampton. Perkins has a long-standing programme to recover and reclaim failed major components from the market place. This formal programme is called the Perkins Power Exchange programme and covers components such as complete engines, turbochargers, injectors, starter motors, and alternators. The programme is set for growth with new investment in salvage techniques, remanufacturing, core management and logistics.

Magna

Magna Exteriors & Interiors brings to the partnership expertise in lean practices, lean training, change management, a wealth of manufacturing improvement experience and application experience. Magna Exteriors & Interiors are the experts for all interior and exterior vehicle parts. They are the market leader for design and production of moulding, painting, surface refinement and assembly of complex modules, bumper systems and other plastic trim parts. For automotive interiors they design and produce cockpit systems, best in class surfaces and decors, door, headliner and loadspace systems as well as integrated acoustic solutions and have a long experience in the development of complex modules and have been one of the industry�s first suppliers to master complete interior integration. Magna Exteriors & Interiors is a company of Magna International, the most diversified Automotive Supplier in the world. Magna Groups design, develop and manufacture automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of cars and light trucks in our three geographic segments - North America, Europe, and Rest of World (primarily Asia, South America and Africa).

Their capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body & chassis systems; mirror systems; exterior systems; roof systems; electronic systems; powertrain systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly. Hence, they have skills in employing lean techniques in some sectors. They will benefit by the provision of improved methods of training and supporting lean practitioners as well as operations personnel leading to higher levels of customer service, reduced inventory holding, increased knowledge base and experience and the ability to utilise this knowledge to provide consultancy services to clients.