ProcessEngineering Live spotlights critical issues

Visitors to the Process Engineering Live event, which takes place at Manchester Central on 10-11 March 2009, will have the chance to participate in a highly focused conference and seminar programme.

These specially commissioned free presentations, together with live product demonstrations, have been designed to add a new interactive dimension to the traditional exhibition format.

VIP speakers include Cogent Research Director, Dr Brian Murphy; Paul Wiggins of the Environment Agency and John Holland, Training Manager, United Biscuits, who will look at how that company has developed a company-wide training programme that links its business and lean manufacturing goals with staff empowerment.

The conference programme puts the spotlight on issues that are critical to survival in a hostile and volatile market - giving visitors the chance to share the latest thinking on cutting-edge technologies, modern business processes and the role of skills and training in gaining a business advantage.

The issues covered include asset management and maintenance, energy and environment, people and skills, and the application of process improvement techniques to drive out waste and help UK companies remain competitive.

The key area of skills is also addressed in a parallel skills seminar stream.

Hosted by the National Skills Academy for the Process Industries and Cogent, this will address the critical effect of skills shortages and show how employers can address these shortages, train their staff and maximise the skills base within their plant.

On the theme of asset management, conference sessions will focus on best practice for the management of physical assets and infrastructure.

Topics covered include whole life performance, asset management using BSI PAS 55, asset performance management and life-cycle management.

Speakers include Alan Laird of TWPL, Dirk Frame of TA Cook, Tony Alexander of Honeywell Process Solutions, and MCP director Noel Grinsted.

Looking at energy and the environment, visitors will be able to catch up on the leading edge work of companies in the North East Process Industries Cluster.

They will also learn about meeting the requirements of the Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS), and hear from Andy Clegg of Industrial Systems and Control (ISC) on how to introduce an energy efficiency programme.

The process improvement session includes speakers from Chemicals Northwest, PICME and Copa Data.

Themes include how companies can find new ways to improve competitiveness, the value of lean thinking, and effective communication between the shop floor and the business.

Process Engineering Live covers every aspect of the UK process industry, from essential physical components such as drives, controls, pumps, fluid and solid handling, valves and sensors through to automation and integration solutions, safety systems, design and CFD software.

Process Engineering Live is supported by The National Skills Academy for the Process Industries, The British Pump Manufacturers Association, Profibus, Cogent, and the British Valve and Actuators Association.

To register for a free ticket to Process Engineering Live, and to reserve conference places, please click on the banner to visit the website.

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