New chairman calls for recognition of manufacturing’s key role
December 22nd 2008 Kevin Parkin, newly-appointed chairman of the British Metallurgical Plant Constructors’ Association, which represents companies at the forefront of the metals processing industry, has called upon politicians and the media to recognise UK manufacturing as a major long term contributor to the prosperity of this country.
Parkin, MD of Sheffield heavy engineering concern, DavyMarkham, comments “Despite the current economic doom and gloom, many of our member companies are winning valuable contracts overseas and helping to secure employment in this country. Our own order book is presently full and the works is operating at capacity, so we’re fairly buoyant. Nevertheless, as the world economy slows, trade associations like ourselves can provide the high quality market intelligence that will enable UK companies to continue winning business abroad.
“In the longer term, there is the prospect of major nuclear fission and fusion energy projects on the horizon, which will demand considerable high quality, specialist metals and engineering skills. Our members are perfectly positioned to exploit these opportunities and the BMPCA will be assisting them, by providing up-to-date market information and monitoring commercial enquiries,” he adds.
The BMPCA is the trade association that represents companies providing equipment and services to the metallurgical industry, from the design and supply of melting furnaces and rolling mills, to the provision of engineering, consultancy and maintenance services. Initially, an expanding UK market enabled the industry in this country to invest heavily in world-leading technology, research and metal production techniques; now the globalisation of steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous manufacturing has resulted in marketing UK expertise to plants and producers overseas, gaining valuable export revenue.
Since members have direct experience of metallurgical projects across the world, the BMPCA serves as a forum for networking and sharing valuable market intelligence, which has led to the development of commercial partnerships and technical cooperation agreements amongst the membership and the identification of new business opportunities. The association is also a valuable point of contact for steelworks and other metal producers seeking specialist services and equipment.
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