NZ economy set to benefit from conference

Media release follows:

NZ economy set to benefit from inaugural Competitive Manufacturing Conference

Introducing concepts to make New Zealand business more competitive and help it to achieve world class manufacturing standards is top of the agenda for the country’s first ‘Competitive Manufacturing’ Conference.

Taking place at the Ellerslie Convention centre in Auckland on 10 November, the conference is dedicated to promoting the competitive manufacturing process to local companies, and showcasing its benefits.

Competitive manufacturing, also known as lean manufacturing, has been recognised internationally for its many benefits, including increasing productivity and eliminating waste.

The conference has been organised by a consortium of eight industry training organisations (ITOs) including Competenz, FITEC, New Zealand ITO, Seafood ITO, New Zealand Furniture ITO, Plastics and Materials Processing ITO, Print NZ Training and the Apparel and Textile ITO.

Each of the ITOs is developing a range of competitive manufacturing qualifications for inclusion in existing national certificate, diploma and degree programmes.

Competenz Industry Leadership Manager, Jennis Lawrence, says international research shows that most companies waste more than 70% of their available resources through unnecessary double handling of production material during the manufacturing process.

“The potential gains from introducing competitive manufacturing principles are significant and many can be made very quickly and at only a small cost,”says Ms Lawrence.

Competitive manufacturing has been successfully used by large manufacturers around the world, and a few in New Zealand, for decades.

“Now it’s vital for small and medium sized enterprises to come on board. New Zealand manufacturers are facing stiff competition on the world stage. The increased efficiency that competitive manufacturing brings can put them in a much more competitive space.”

The conference will include a number of speakers including the Minister for Economic Development, Trevor Mallard and CEO of Manufacturing Skills Australia, Bob Paton. A number of key case studies will also profile New Zealand companies succeeding through competitive manufacturing initiatives .

Places for the conference are limited and a small number are still available at a cost of $120 (plus GST) per person. Register by calling Paul Fail on 09 580 6827 or p.fail[at]competenz.org.nz

ENDS

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