This brochure describes how the exploitation of leading edge manufacturing technology provides considerable scope for UK automotive suppliers to improve their productivity and competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Developments in manufacturing technology cover a diverse range of applications in the automotive industry, including process control/automation, new product and process development and advanced materials. It provides opportunities for automotive suppliers to achieve competitive advantage by reducing costs, improving product performance and increasing productivity.

The UK automotive supply industry comprises both large international groups and SME’s, covering a diverse range of product and equipment sectors. Companies, especially SME’s, often find it difficult to exploit leading edge technology for a variety of reasons. However, it can be done. The brochure also shows how ten automotive suppliers in the UK, both large and small, have successfully adopted and benefited from leading edge manufacturing technology.