Since 1994 The Manufacturing Institute (TMI) has collaborated with tens of thousands of manufacturing professionals and companies worldwide to deliver competitive advantage through accessible, outcome-driven consulting and impactful education, training, and productivity improvement programmes.
Over the years, one key factor that solidified TMI's reputation was its successful service provision to the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in the Northwest. Delivering practical, hands-on support for manufacturers at both strategic and cell levels, was proven to significantly enhance performance, and profitability in the quest for continuous improvement and TMI's role as a trusted partner and service provider was pivotal to MAS’s success.
Today, success hinges on their integrity, their partnership approach and their ability to blend experiential industry know-how with academic insight to aid manufacturers in applying the latest thinking and best practices. A legacy that continues to underpin and evolve TMI’s contemporary educational and training programs and on-site support to deliver impressive triple bottom-line results at all organisational levels.
FAST FORWARD 2024
With the growing demand for capable individuals across all levels - creating high-value, innovative, resilient and culturally aware businesses is crucial for sustained competitiveness, and survival. Lisa Riley, TMI Executive Director believes, “Building confidence, creating role models, support networks and alliances, and embracing a broader definition of leadership that values diverse perspectives and approaches requires more than a good knowledge of lean tools.”
Evolving technology including AI, organisations can achieve leaner operating environments, therefore the need to unleash the potential of multigenerational manufacturing talent has never been greater. The key determining factor? The knowledge and abilities of the workforce are wrapped around a human and more worldly-centred culture.
The Manufacturing Institute is dedicated to the future of manufacturing, striving to make a meaningful impact by supporting manufacturers in their quest for improvement. Our vision for the future remains characterised by knowledge-led, high-value, innovative services and quality communication designed to build skills from shopfloor to boardroom - linking knowledge with expert, high-quality and relatable Practitioner support to sustain manufacturing excellence.
TMI remains dedicated to providing world-class, results-led services to foster innovation, boost knowledge and encourage equality, diversity, and inclusion. Joined up, purposeful activity that truly enables growth, people, and culture because not only do operations need to be more in-tune with their customers’ real needs but their employee’s real needs also.
The Manufacturing Institute continues to pave the way by offering inspirational and insightful experiences for change management and transformation. Through masterclasses, factory visits, conferences, education, and training, to comprehensive projects for site transformation. Manufacturers of all sizes and sectors have a chance to learn from the successes and mistakes of others and draw inspiration from the best.
TMI HISTRIONICS
In 1994, founding members of The Manufacturing Institute and university and industry partners embarked on a mission to combine thinking and practical expertise to improve performance in the sector. Combining leading academic insight with industry best practices from our manufacturing members, which included organisations such as BNFL, Kellogg’s, Akzo Nobel, PZ Cussons and Jaguar Land Rover, typical of our client base.
“At the start, the simple goal was always to equip manufacturers with all the help they need to be the best.” Julie Madigan, Former Chief Executive of The Manufacturing Institute
Today, although some challenges related to skills and education persist, we now face rapidly evolving issues such as the integration of technology and AI, achieving Net Zero, an emerging skills shortage, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. These challenges require a cohesive, cultural approach that leverages concepts like Kaizen, Lean methodologies, Leadership Development, and frameworks such as Six Sigma and Shingo to drive sustainable practices toward organisational excellence.
Between 1994 and 1998, the TMI started to deliver specialist manufacturing masterclasses quickly followed by a Diploma in Manufacturing, enabling graduates without conventional educational paths to be recognised for their capabilities. Today, our flagship MSc in Manufacturing Leadership - in partnership with the Lancaster University Management School - helps develop influential business leaders who can deliver much more than bottom-line improvement for the participating companies.
Our early successes highlighted the need for specialised support in training and sustaining on-site continuous improvement efforts. This realisation led to our acclaimed Accelerated Route to Lean Manufacturing and Team Leader Development programs. Accredited by City & Guilds, these outcome-driven educational initiatives catered to those seeking more than just the basics of lean methodologies. These trusted, enduring programs continue to evolve by incorporating essential themes related to culture, equality, diversity, inclusion, environmental impacts, and change management to facilitate transformation and growth.
In 2001 The Manufacturing Institute was appointed The Northwest Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence. Shortly after, they began delivering the Manufacturing Advisory Service in Northwest England. The success of this programme was rooted in boosting productivity and safeguarding jobs.
Throughout its history, TMI has been a magnet for engagement, from the inspirational MAKE IT initiative, which provided a bridge between manufacturing companies and schools to develop the talent of the future, to attracting several hundred manufacturers to their international summits.
In 2008, TMI became Europe’s first and most successful Shingo affiliate. The model, arguably more relevant than ever, addresses the broader topic of the world of work, helping manufacturers delve deeper into their systems and processes in their pursuit of organisational excellence. It supports transformation and empowers respect for every individual, aligning with efforts to build more equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplaces.
Today, The Manufacturing Institute remain committed to making a difference by helping manufacturers cause improvement!