In this part of the site you will find the nitty gritty issues of plastics processing production; challenges overcome and money and resources saved. 

Nothing beats practical and hands-on processing experience  - and we shall aim to grow these pages into a real resource for members. 

Don't hesitate to start a thread, raise a question; ask for help, explore a concern from the menu on the left, or flag up any issue of manufacturing or production. 

Unlike a number of public message boards; there are no sales trolls lurking here and no particular axe to grind. Instead we aim to help with focused and speedy manufacturing information and solutions. 

We set off with two seasoned manufacturing practitioners to help us develop a framework of common ground that will provide benefit to MIIP members. 

Make It In Plastics with Ian Hunter

Ian Hunter is probably best known to you as the former Managing Director of Birkbys Plastics. A qualified Mechanical Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials Ian's career includes periods of training and receipt of manufacturing awards. Having been a member of the Toyota European Association of Manufacturers (TEAM) for five years brought Ian into contact with a multitude of opportunities for manufacturing improvement. 

Lately Ian has been involved in the SME plastics processing arena, adding further expertise to his current consulting role. 

Needless to say MIIP is delighted to offer Ian an opportunity to demonstrate his transferable skills to our members. 

Make It In Plastics with Greg Watts

Greg Watts runs The Improvement Practice, a company that in Greg's words 'helps businesses grow by doing the important things better - and also helps to eliminate the waste activities that get in the way.'

I met Greg in 2001 when we worked together to help establish the Process Industries Centre for Manufacturing Excellence, PICME. PICME clients included a number of plastics processors, large and small and Greg also worked with Bayer Materials and with Zotefoams on the materials manufacturing side. Greg is trained in most continuous improvement and lean practices, including 6 sigma and also offers structured training (e.g. green belt level) to company employees 

Both Greg and Ian offer direct and one-to-one services to MIIP members at preferential rates. Simply use your membership number and details when introducing your company.