The IfM announced it will be launching the Global Manufacturing Networks Forum in January 2006. This is an industry-driven forum bringing together key industrialists to identify leading practice in the development of global manufacturing networks.

Deciding which products to make in which types of plants in which countries is increasingly important to the success of international manufacturing organizations. Establishing the right manufacturing network structure and coordination system is directly linked to achieving strategic objectives in areas such as cost, service, agility, innovation and risk.

The IfM's Centre for International Manufacturing has led academic research in this field for over 11 years. Recent application of research findings has identified the opportunity for leading companies to share from each other's experiences and to benchmark their business processes. The IfM is setting up such a forum to promote cross-fertilisation and to enable partner companies to identify gaps in processes and performance, and action plans for implementing an enhanced approach.

The forum will consist of up to 12 participating companies and will run for 15 months. Companies joining the initiative will gain a range of benefits including peer exchange, benchmarking, research updates and access to innovative tools.

The deadline for applications is 18th November 2005.

For further information about the forum, please contact Paul Christodoulou at the IfM on +44 (0)1223 766141 or email pac46@eng.cam.ac.uk