Manufacturing Wales was established two years ago by manufacturers and is an independent, industry led, network celebrating the vision and ambitions of manufacturers and academia across Wales.
As a collaborative consortium it was created specifically to help meet the complex needs of Welsh-based manufacturers, promoting world class capability, boasting Welsh brands, maximising supply chain opportunities and building-in resilience by connecting with higher and further academic institutions.
It has become the platform for businesses and educational institutions to connect, share problems and create solutions. With a focus on quality, Manufacturing Wales ensures Welsh brands are not only globally recognised, but technology led, alongside developing new supply chain ecosystems. It is also a voice for the industry, sharing, learning and collaborating.
Manufacturing Wales is now adding even more calibre to its founder Board and we are delighted to announce that Simon Pritchard of Philtronics and Drew Nelson of IQE are joining. They will sit alongside existing board members from British Rototherm, Creo Medical, FSG Tool and Die ltd, Penderyn Distillery, Pro Steel Engineering, The Safety Letterbox Company ltd, and SPTS (a KLA company). The Board is chaired by Frank Holmes of Gambit Corporate Finance.
Drew Nelson, Founder, President and Non-executive Director at IQE said,
“I am very pleased to be joining the board of Manufacturing Wales and supporting the growth and innovation across the manufacturing ecosystem. Wales has a prestigious history of manufacturing stretching all the way back to the first industrial revolution, and I am looking forward to contributing strongly to continue and build on this tradition in the 21st century, and to helping the Manufacturing Wales team grow the flourishing technology-based manufacturing sector in Wales.”
Simon Prichard, CEO of Philtronics Ltd, commented,
“We have been active member of Manufacturing Wales and have seen first-hand the benefits of working together. Being appointed to the board gives me the opportunity to voice and promote the strength and agility of the supply chain beneath the amazing OEM’s we have in Wales. Being a member has allowed me to see that the whole manufacturing eco system faces similar challenges. Being able to safely share knowledge, ideas, thoughts and seek advice throughout multiple manufacturing sectors and academia has helped us enormously.
Frank Holmes, Chair of Manufacturing Wales said,
“times are challenging for manufacturers facing supply chain, recruitment, and geopolitical constraints. Manufacturing Wales seeks to help alleviate some of these through its members by working together, exchanging experiences and potential solutions, supported by Universities and Colleges sharing access to in-house R&D facilities, skills training necessary to support a successful and resilient Manufacturing sector for Wales. These new board appointments will add strength to the objectives of demonstrating that Wales has best in class capabilities, and I am delighted to welcome Drew and Simon onto the board.”
