PP boss to head Midland Assembly Network

An additional £2m contract haul and growth in three key sectors are the targets for the incoming chairman of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN) Tony Hague, who will now head up the eight-strong collaboration of engineering businesses as it enters its seventh year.

“This is going to be an important year for MAN and one that we want to adopt a more aggressive approach to sales,” explained Hague (pictured), who is managing director of PP Electrical Systems in Cheslyn Hay. “We’ve already established a proven track record for world class quality and security of supply, with over £12m of contracts already delivered for a high profile global customer base.”

Automotive, aerospace and electronics have been identified as the three main sectors that could benefit most from the capabilities of MAN members’ expertise in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering solutions.

First established in 2006, MAN is made up of eight member businesses: Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Brandauer, Barkley Plastics, FW Cables, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments and Westley Engineering.

“There’s over £3bn of opportunities currently available in the automotive industry at present so it seems like a natural sector to target, especially when you consider our experience in Quality Cost Delivery (QCD) performances,” added Hague.

“Then you have the next generation of aircraft currently being developed… this offers some great opportunities to get involved in the design and prototype stage. Similar again with the latest electronics.”

Tony Hague takes over from Wesley Engineering’s Gerry Dunne as chairman of MAN.