Brandauer Precision Pressings, Modular Automation, Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Maxpower Automotive, Barton ColdForm Ltd, and Westley Engineering.

David Spears, MD of Brandauer Precision Pressings said: "OEMs don't want to speak to six or seven different manufacturers. It is too expensive.

When any member of MAN receives an enquiry about new work, project teams are selected based on agreed criteria relating to the manufacturing process. The project team assumes full responsibility for all aspects of supply and quality, delivering and invoicing through the lead company."

Maurice Cassidy, deputy chairman of Barkley Plastics Ltd said: We are all well established companies in the Midlands, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Collectively we list most global OEM and Tier 1 companies as customers. Working together is a very European practice, which has not previously been formalised in the UK."

Tim Windle, sales manager at Barton Cold Form Ltd, said: "The benefit of belonging to the Network is that if I can't be present at say, the Midlands Manufacturing Exhibition, then I know that Barton Cold Form still has a presence, because every member of MAN promotes other members. It therefore gives us a much larger sales force. UK manufacturing companies need to stop working independently and work to promote manufacturing in the UK as a whole, against global competition."

Established with funding support from Accelerate, it has taken about a year to get the Midlands Assembly Network fully operational. It will eventually be self-supporting.

Members will be promoted at a series of worldwide exhibitions, including Stuttgart this month.

www.midlandsassembly.net