Bright Spark Precision Engineering News

Merc has always regarded innovation as the key to its current success in the market place and a vital component in staying ahead of the competition. The company has therefore spent years reflecting on the way it works, leading to the introduction of Merc's in-house designed ERP factory management software, Mafis ERP.

 

Les Nuttall, Managing Director said: “Merc’s massive investments in capital equipment and personnel have been matched pound for pound by investments in a company wide Corporate Transformation Plan. Centred on the creation of Mafis, Merc has adopted an innovative and holistic approach to instilling the principles of World Class Manufacturing at all levels of the business.”

 

The design and implementation of Mafis has allowed Merc to introduce all manner of wide ranging business improvement techniques into the company in a controlled and efficient manner, and is proving to be instrumental in allowing the company to convert innovation into competitive advantage.

 

Mafis (Merc Advanced Factory Information System) is a software package that controls all the areas of the business including production planning & scheduling, estimating, purchasing & subcontracting, inspection, CRM, and HR, to name but a few.

 

This software that commenced writing in September 2002 was introduced to Merc’s operating system in 2006 and has allowed staff to introduce wide-ranging business improvement techniques into the company.

 

There are now plans for the software to be used by other precision engineering SMEs and Merc is even planning to start a new company in the next 6 months to commercially market the software.

The innovative software – and its knock-on effect on business – was the key to impressing the judges, composed of representatives from key companies in Lancashire including BAE Systems and NWDA (North West Development Agency).

 

Says Les Nuttall: “We have spent a number of years developing and changing the way we work, streamlining our business.

“It has allowed us to move towards more efficient manufacturing process.”

 

As a result the company has seen an annual growth of almost 30 per cent year-on-year.

 

The company already serves the defence market and also deals with railway, motorsport, power generation and commercial sectors.

 

In March this year Merc Engineering expanded its workforce to 70 people and has turnover forecast of around £4.2million for 2008/2009, following the acquisition of local aerospace specialist Bright Spark Engineering.

 

Les Nuttall added: “It is fantastic to be given this award. It is great to show the people back at work that what we are doing, improving and changing, is being recognised.”