Experts trade in a world of good ideas
Jul 2 2009 By Christopher 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."
