Interflex’s Managing Director Jim Griffin will be speaking as part of the conference programme at this year’s prestigious Subcon event, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham on 7th and 8th June.
As the UK’s longest-established subcontract manufacturing supply chain show, visitors come from across a range of industries and include procurement teams from both OEMs and tiered suppliers. With over 200 exhibitors scheduled to present their products and services at the expo, visitors can expect to learn about the latest innovations and new ways of improving efficiencies in their supply chain.
Debating the challenges in manufacturing
The free seminar programme will be delivered in two conference theatres, focusing on discussions around current challenges and opportunities for the manufacturing industry. Topics include the effective use of technology, new markets in the UK recovery, AI and automation and ways of ensuring sustainability within the supply chain.
Jim will be sharing his expertise in two seminars taking place on Wednesday 7th June. The first event is entitled ‘Bringing Home the Supply Chain’, which will look at the logistics of reshoring, what makes the UK an attractive destination and how companies can balance the best of British within a global market. The second event draws on Jim’s three plus decades of experience in the automotive sector and is entitled ‘What Gear is the UK Automotive Sector In?’.
Sharing over 30 years of manufacturing experience
Jim’s industry experience has included overseeing his previous company’s flotation on the stock exchange, as well as setting up new production sites overseas. He was previously shortlisted for the Guardian Small Business Leader of the Year award and has also won the EEF Manufacturing Champion for the Midlands award. Jim has been awarded a Visiting Industrial Fellowship by Aston Business School in recognition of his contribution to business growth and entrepreneurship across the manufacturing sector.
“It is always exciting to be able to speak to an interested audience about key issues within the manufacturing industry,” comments Jim. “Efficient supply chain management is core to any successful manufacturing business and a key priority for the team at Interflex. We are also keen to ensure that we have embedded sustainability into our manufacturing processes.”
Although best known for working in the automotive manufacturing industry, Interflex has also diversified under Jim’s leadership in other sectors such as railways, horticulture, aerospace and leisure vehicles. Like other organisations operating in automotive manufacturing, the company has been impacted by supply chain issues since the pandemic, most notably the global shortage of semi-conductors as well as rising material and labour costs.
Tackling supply chain shortages
“The semi-conductor problem in particular highlights how the manufacturing process can be so easily disrupted by supply chain issues,” adds Jim. “Fortunately, that seems to be easing now and the future for the automotive industry looks brighter than it has for a while.”
Jim’s comments are supported by the recent release of some encouraging automotive industry statistics, including the news that the UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth last month – an 11.6% increase which marks the best April since 2021. Furthermore, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the total number of expected new car registrations in 2023 has been revised upwards as a result of the encouraging figures, to 1.83 million. If these figures are achieved, that would indicate a market growth of 13.5% this year – the best percentage gain since 1983.
How Interflex can help
Interflex supply a wide range of NVH and insulation solutions for the automotive industry, marine, The company focuses on the development and use of lightweight materials and sustainable, cost-effective options. To find out more, please call us on 01949 861 494, or email us at sales@interflex2000.com.