Experts trade in a world of good ideas
Jul 2 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal
Executives and economists from 37 countries are about to arrive in Middlesbrough for an event aiming to help the North East’s heavy industries through the recession. Christopher Knox spoke to the organisers.
ACADEMICS and industrialists from around the world will trade thoughts on the economic crisis and how businesses can weather the storm at 19th annual Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (FAIM) conference,
The event, at Teesside University from July 5-8, will focus on lean manufacturing and services, with a number of lectures planned on how the industry can reduce costs without resorting to sweeping job cuts.
Institutions have to bid for the chance to host the event, with the university able to fend off bids from Hong Kong and Dubai because of its position next to one of Europe’s biggest process industry centres.
The event, which was held in Sweden last year and will be held in San Francisco in 2010, will be attended by doctorate students, professors and scientists from of countries, including India, America, Singapore and Japan.
FAIM, which is sponsored by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, will also see over 190 articles presented by delegates; exploring subjects including IT and internet applications and global manufacturing and supply chain logistics.
Professor Farhad Nabhani, FAIM conference chairman and professor of biomechanics and manufacturing at the university, said: “Manufacturing today must adjust to the current global recession and the demanding markets facing both the North East, the UK and international business.
“We hope the conference will give delegates an unrivalled independent insight into current best practices in manufacturing. We aim to help local industry in a time of economic downturn by bringing together expertise within the manufacturing environment to look at production improvements in the next decade.
“The event is also a chance to show the rest of the world that the North East still has the industrial roots as well as the dedicated workforce to help the country through the recession, despite the recent difficulties that the region has had to face.”
“I would like to acknowledge and wish to express my sincere thanks to Professor Graham Henderson, the vice chancellor and Professor Simon Hodgson, dean of school of science and technology for their support in running such a prestigious conference, without their contributions, this conference and its proceedings would have been impossible.”
It won’t be all work and no play for the international visitors, as they’ll also be visiting HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool Marina as well as enjoying the hospitality at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium.
The delegates will also complete an industrial tour of the North East, highlighting examples of good practice in manufacturing, including Cummins Engineering in Darlington, Caterpillar in Peterlee, fittings and fixtures manufacturer Stanley Vickers Ltd in Middlesbrough, and food wholesalers Direct Line Supplies (DLS) in Middlesbrough.
David Ford, works manager at Stanley Vickers Ltd, said: “We are happy to be a part of this major international conference.
“We believe that this conference is an excellent opportunity for businesses, academic institutes and researchers from around the world to network and share new and innovative ideas.
“The knowledge transferred from the various backgrounds and cultures involved will greatly benefit everyone in attendance; especially given the current economic climate. We do hope this conference will lead to some solutions for the current problems we are all facing."
Abbas Salahshouri, director of DLS Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the FAIM 2009 conference, to have such a prestigious international conference come to the area and have the opportunity to participate, its a great honour. In such stressful economic times industry and academic institutions need to work in harmony and share knowledge, we hope that from this conference we can take the knowledge and put it in to practise.”
“The FAIM 2009 Conference is a much welcomed event to the Teesside area, the presence of such an event in the North East is highly regarded in industry and that’s why we wanted to share in its success! All companies strive for improvement and from such strong key note speakers who are attending the conference we hope to gain a vital insight into new practices and theories”.
Those wishing to attend a selection of the keynote speeches should contact Professor Nabhani at f.nabhani@tees.ac.uk
