Manufacturing modernisation initiative: a partnership between industry and academia

Academia must be tuned with the needs of the industrial sector in order to provide a cost-effective and profitable manufacturing environment, which ultimately effects the economic development of a region. Modernisation process must be continuous to improve productivity of operations to sustain a global and competitive existence. Academia, with its expertise, research facilities, and student manpower, can achieve this task effectively. The paper outlines a working model of a collaborative effort between universities, community colleges, community-based organisations, and a manufacturing centre to provide comprehensive modernisation services to the industrial sector. The model has impacted more than 100 companies to improve their manufacturing operations in a cost-effective manner.