SMMT has developed a series of supply chain events that will help UK-based suppliers to capitalise on the £3bn of product, service and technology supply requirements for the next generation of vehicles and engines being made in the UK.
The Open Access series will see engineering and purchasing teams at UK-based vehicle manufacturers and global Tier-one suppliers meet a number of targeted UK suppliers in a single day. The first invite-only event will beOpen Access: Ford in Dunton, Essex on Tuesday 19 November, with further Open Access events to be announced in the coming months.
A progression from SMMT’s Meet the Buyer meetings, this series of events will focus specifically on the demands of each host manufacturer and will include the opportunity to discuss a range of technologies with engineers. Each OEM or Tier-one manufacturer will select around 20 UK suppliers to host, based on their own purchasing and engineering criteria.
The first event will focus on Ford’s requirements for sourcing powertrain components and technologies; high on the shopping list are specialised cooling and modelling capabilities, engine mounts and testing facilities, air intake systems, engine components and low-emission technology. The full wish-list can be found on the Supplier Match Form, which suppliers should fill out if they can deliver on any of the requirements. All matched suppliers will be reviewed and invited to the event accordingly.
The 2014 events will all be tailored to demand from buyers and engineers at participating manufacturers, each with a different focus. Tier-one and Tier-two suppliers are urged to express interest in the series here.
