A UK application of systems engineering in regenerating manufacturing industry

Bloxwich Engineering, known as BEL, is a privately owned manufacturing company within the automotive truck and Container industry. BEL operates in a very competitive market place where very tough customer specification requirements demand technical excellence at a reduced price. As with much of the engineering sector in the first half of the last decade it suffered markedly from the economic squeeze and failed to keep pace with investment, in both plant and people. From a vision some 51/2 years ago it has regained its status as a preferred supplier by rebuilding its engineering excellence and by the introduction of system engineering in all areas within the company, from CAD/CAM, the manufacturing control system from order to sale, estimating, strategic planning and finance