BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
DEC 2014
EMPOWERING MANUFACTURERS IN 2015
By Bobbi MaCay
“The
future
of
manufacturing
in
Barbados is bright”
these are the words of
the Executive Director
of
the
Barbados
Manufacturers’
Association
Bobbi
McKay. As 2014 is
swiftly coming to a
close, and minds fast forward to what is in store
for 2015, the Barbados Manufacturers’
Association’s forecast is a positive one.
“The sector continues to experience its share of
challenges; but it has also seen moderate growth
in 2014,” noted Ms. McKay. “When we review
the sector as a whole we are confident that the
successes and the benefits outweigh the
challenges. Over the past year we have focused
on empowering our manufacturers; we have
focused on finding ways to develop stronger and
more sustainable businesses. As a sector we are
looking at improving operational efficiencies and
developing strategic alliances and partnerships
which promote success and sustainability.
Unfortunately, when people think about
manufacturing their minds automatically
gravitate towards smaller workshop settings and
their focus is primarily on the micro enterprises
within the sector. So often they fail to look at our
larger manufacturers such as Purity Bakeries,
WIBISCO, HIPAC, the BHL group; these are all
manufacturers who are making significant
contributions to employment, the economy and
our foreign exchange earnings. When we look at
Lenstec for example and the state-of-the art
operation they manage here in Barbados;
exporting to over 60 countries in the world, we
then really understand that manufacturing is far
from doom and gloom.”
“Training has always been high on our priority
and this covers areas from marketing, to
administrative
skills,
small
business
management, project planning and management
and so much more. We believe that this raises
the profiles of our businesses as well as enabling
them to operate more efficiently and
professionally; thereby increasing their chances
of success. In 2015 we will also be actively
seeking opportunities for more specialised
training such as “finishing” for the furniture
sector and LOC training for operations driven
towards automation. Innovation will also be a
key focus for 2015 as we will host sessions that
address
and
promote
innovation
in
manufacturing. As early as January 2015 we will
have access to a Professor Ken Blawatt who will
challenge our innovative drive.
“Facilitating partnerships are also important for
us and we know that as our businesses look to
develop and increase productivity there will be a
great need to improve their plant and equipment.
Over 2014 we have been forging strong
relationships with financial providers with a view
to making facilities available to our members.
We will begin to see the real fruit of these
partnerships in 2015 allowing our manufactures
to improve efficiencies in their businesses.
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