Innovation centre helps UK companies compete

A Technology Innovation Centre product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 1, 2008

Two plumbing products manufacturers recently benefited from TIC's standards expertise.

With international competition continuing to bear down on UK manufacturing industry, Birmingham City University's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) is helping companies strengthen their positions.

TIC Head of Business Operations, Kevin Hogan, says: "TIC's Business Solutions Practice has introduced world-class technologies, lean techniques and relevant skills, to over 3000 companies".

"Now, TIC has a growing role in helping its client businesses gain top quality and operating standards recognition".

"These make company skills recognisable when competing for business in global markets and are an integral part of TIC's Business Solutions programmes".

Two plumbing products manufacturers recently benefited from TIC's standards expertise.

ECO-Logic UK, offers a design concept for total electronic water management.

Its electronically controlled water-delivery systems for showers, toilets and other bathing installations focus on markets from prisons, through hospitals and care institutions, to commercial clubs and gymnasia.

Its robust, low- maintenance, water-delivery installations are resistant to vandalism and possibilities of self-harm in security situations and its easy-to-clean products help lower contamination risks in healthcare environments.

Its commercial ranges are fashionably styled for sports centres, hotels and stadiums.

In seeking quality standards recognition, West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service (WMAS) guided ECO-Logic, through West Midlands' Technology Network (WMTN), to TIC.

Its help resulted in ISO9001 accreditation.

ECO-Logic's Business Manager, David Lloyd, says: "This recognition has stimulated customer demand".

"ECO-logic is now moving forward with TIC towards ISO14001, for environmental standards".

"TIC is also helping us advance our computer-design capabilities and overall enterprise resource planning, both essential to future growth".

In contrast, established nearly 200 years ago, Samuel Heath and Sons recently achieved the latest accolade in production standards.

Originally a brass bedstead ornament and candlestick manufacturer, over its history Samuel Heath has manufactured diverse, mainly brass-based products.

Today, it is known for high-quality bathroom taps, showers and accessories.

The company also makes architectural hardware and concealed door closers.

Long-term holders of ISO9001 European quality certification, Samuel Heath's quality-conscious management sought the new OSHAS18001 standard.

OSHAS18001 is relatively new, and there are a relatively limited number of implementation experts, so Samuel Heath was glad to be guided by WMAS to TIC's Business Solutions team.

Quality engineer Andrew Turley, says: "TIC's team offer help from practical engineering, through to advanced CAD techniques".

"Since they also cover every aspect of quality, environmental and health and safety standards, we had complete confidence in their expert guidance".