Manufacturing with Purpose: Inside ISCAL’s Inclusive Production Model
Join fellow CKMA members for a different kind of factory visit — one that goes beyond process improvement and peer benchmarking to explore the role of manufacturing in delivering real social value. ISCAL (the Coaster Factory), a social enterprise owned by Calderdale Council, combines commercial manufacturing with supported employment and work experience for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) residents. Alongside its established product lines, ISCAL is now diversifying into wood recycling and new product development. Please note this event is only open to CKMA members, sponsors and guests by invitation. Manufacturing members will receive priority. Why Attend This visit offers a unique opportunity to see how an inclusive production environment operates in practice — and to engage in an open discussion about the commercial realities of sustaining this model. It’s designed for manufacturing leaders, operations professionals, and decision-makers who want to: Understand how manufacturing can deliver meaningful social value Explore alternative workforce models and inclusive employment practices Gain insight into the challenges of balancing impact with commercial sustainability Identify opportunities to collaborate, partner, or strengthen local supply chains Contribute ideas and perspectives to support the future of this model What You’ll Experience Guided factory tour of ISCAL’s production environment Insight into how processes and workflows are adapted to support SEND employees Overview of ISCAL’s current operations and diversification into wood products Open discussion on commercial sustainability and future direction Opportunity to network with peers and explore potential collaboration Key Themes Manufacturing and social value in practice Inclusive employment and workforce development Commercial viability in social enterprise models Local supply chain opportunities and partnerships The evolving role of manufacturing in the community Who Should Attend Manufacturing business owners and leaders Operations, production, and HR professionals Supply chain and procurement leads Organisations interested in ESG and social value Businesses open to collaboration and local sourcing opportunities About ISCAL ISCAL is a Calderdale Council-owned social enterprise providing supported employment and training opportunities for SEND residents. Through its manufacturing operations, it delivers both commercial products and measurable social impact within the local community. About CKMA Factory Visits CKMA’s factory visits programme connects manufacturers across Calderdale and Kirklees, providing opportunities to share insight, explore different operating models, and build valuable business connections. Booking Information Places are limited to ensure a high-quality experience Early booking is recommended Full joining instructions will be shared ahead of the visit This is an opportunity to explore, challenge, and contribute to a different model of manufacturing. Join us to see how business, community, and impact come together — and what that could mean for your organisation. To book on the event visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/manufacturing-with-purpose-inside-iscals-inclusive-production-model-tickets-1986119511925?aff=oddtdtcreator
Make It In Manufacturing – Apprenticeship Speed Matching Event
CKMA, in partnership with Kirklees College, is delighted to invite members to participate in our Apprenticeship Speed Matching Event, delivered as part of the Make It In Manufacturing campaign. This event provides manufacturing employers with a structured, efficient way to meet pre-vetted students from Kirklees College who are preparing to take their first steps into the sector. The event will also allow employers to identify and engage early with strong candidates ahead of the next apprenticeship intake. How the Event Works Each employer will be allocated their own table. Students will rotate between employers on an organised schedule, with each meeting lasting 6–8 minutes. This format allows employers to: • Introduce their business • Outline upcoming apprenticeship opportunities • Identify promising candidates for the next intake After the scheduled rotations, attendees will be invited to join an open networking session, offering further time to reconnect with students who stood out. Information Required from Employers To help Kirklees College coordinate the most suitable students, employers will be asked to confirm: • The apprenticeship roles they intend to offer • The number of apprentices they hope to recruit This information supports the college in planning an effective rotation schedule. Why Attend? Taking part gives employers the chance to: • Meet motivated students interested in manufacturing careers • Build early relationships with potential apprentices • Learn more about Kirklees College’s apprenticeship provision • Support the development of local skills and talent within the sector Important Employer places are limited, so we strongly encourage early registration. Prior to the event we will prepare a detailed information pack for employers who register, which will include guidance on the format of the rotations, timings for the morning, and any preparation that may be helpful. Book a place on the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-it-in-manufacturing-apprenticeship-speed-matching-event-tickets-1986877145026?aff=oddtdtcreator We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your apprentice recruitment for the year ahead.
CKMA at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre: From Ideas to Innovation
CKMA at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre From Ideas to Innovation 📍 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, University of Huddersfield 📅 Wed 22 Apr 1700 How do you turn good ideas into commercial advantage? CKMA members are invited to visit the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Huddersfield — a purpose-built innovation hub designed to help engineering and manufacturing businesses develop new products, adopt new technologies and accelerate growth. In an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape, access to technical expertise, specialist facilities and innovation support can make the difference between standing still and moving ahead. The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre was created to bridge the gap between industry and academia, giving businesses practical routes to collaborate, test, prototype and innovate. During this visit, members will: Tour the Centre’s innovation and technical facilities Learn how manufacturers are working with university expertise to solve real-world challenges Understand what funding, R&D and innovation support is available Explore how collaboration can reduce risk when developing new products or processes Whether you are looking to improve productivity, explore automation, refine a product, or understand what support exists to help you scale, this visit will provide insight into resources available on your doorstep. This is a valuable opportunity to see how innovation partnerships work in practice — and to consider what they could mean for your business. Find out more and book your place via Eventbrite.
Filling the Skills Gap: Learning from the Construction Industry – CKMA AGM
CKMA is pleased to invite members and partners to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 5 February, focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing manufacturing: skills. This event will explore what manufacturing can learn from the construction industry, with guest speakers sharing practical examples of how skills shortages have been tackled through collaboration, new training models and employer-led solutions. Alongside the AGM, we’ll share updates on CKMA activity and insights from the CKMA skills work, followed by a facilitated discussion on potential next steps for manufacturers across Calderdale and Kirklees. Date & time: Thursday 5 February, 5:30pm – 8:30pm (GMT) Venue: Junction 25 Conference & Meeting Venue, Brighouse Who should attend This event is ideal for manufacturing business owners, directors, HR and operations leads, and anyone involved in recruitment, skills or workforce development. It will also be relevant to training providers, educators and partners working with manufacturing businesses. 👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filling-the-skills-gap-learning-from-the-construction-industry-ckma-agm-tickets-1980858877225
24.10.2025 Breakfast with Harpreet Uppal MP – Your Say in the Future of Manufacturing
A special CKMA breakfast event: share your ideas and priorities directly with Huddersfield’s MP and help shape UK Industrial Policy.
18.09.2025 Digital Readiness for Manufacturers: ERP & Integration Essentials
Join fellow manufacturers from the CKMA network for a practical, high-impact session focused on what manufacturers really need to know.
11.09.2025 Richard Alan Engineering: Collaborating for Climate: Engineering Innovation
Discover how Richard Alan turned innovation into impact with a 10 tonnes per day carbon capture skid—built in Dewsbury, bound for Europe.
21.5.2025 STOP PRESS! Helping manufacturers navigate business support and funding
21.5.2025 Helping manufacturers to navigate the business support and funding landscape The return of this unique event is bound to be popular so book your place today! Funding & Business Support Breakfast Have you got a project in mind to help grow or develop your manufacturing business? Join us for a morning of insightful updates, networking, and collaboration, where you will: Hear brief 2-minute updates from key organisations on the latest business support and funding opportunities Connect with local sponsors who can support your projects Network with fellow members and business leaders over breakfast Weds 21st May 2025 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services Ltd, Brighouse Whether you’re exploring new funding routes or looking to build valuable connections, this is a morning you won’t want to miss! Manufacturing members and potential members are all welcome! To book your place via Eventbrite click here
30.4.2025 CKMA Industry Insight visit: The Zikodrive Journey
CKMA Industry Insight visit: The Zikodrive Journey Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Zikodrive Motor Controllers! The Zikodrive story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of collaboration, providing a strong foundation for a bright and exciting future. A leading manufacturer of UK-designed motor control electronics the Company launched in 2014 overcoming significant challenges to emerge as a key player in its industry By 2020, Zikodrive had grown considerably however, the onset of Covid-19 presented unexpected challenges. The Directors had to think quickly how to overcome these and adapt. Fostering a relationship with a German company and collaborating led to a strategic investment agreement that enabled Zikodrive to expand operations and relocate to a new, dedicated site near Mytholmroyd. Now firmly back on a growth trajectory, Zikodrive is focused on the future. Its commitment to exporting UK-designed and manufactured products worldwide remains at the heart of its strategy, as it continues to innovate, expand, and strengthen its position in the global motor control market. Whether your interest is in electronics and the motor controller products or in the backstory of growing the business and overcoming challenges don’t miss this opportunity to meet others in the local manufacturing community. If you are a manufacturer and not yet a member of Calderdale & Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance your are welcome to come along as a guest. Date: 30.4.2025 Time: From 5.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: Unit 2A, Dean Country Business Park, Hebden Bridge HX7 5RU To book your place click here
26.3.2025 CKMA Breakfast Member Meeting and visit to Touchstone Glazing Ltd, Brighouse
Breakfast Meeting and Factory Visit to Touchstone Glazing Solutions, Brighouse. Turning a perceived ‘dying trade’ into a successful manufacturing business in the 21st century, as demonstrated by Touchstone Glazing Solutions Ltd and their sister company Design Glass Ltd involves a combination of strategic moves, innovation, and adaptability. Here are some key elements from the success story of Touchstone that can serve as a guide: Embrace Technology: Invest in modern technology for both design and manufacturing processes. Utilise computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D Printing technology and other advanced tools to enhance efficiency and precision. Protect Intellectual Property (IP): Safeguard unique designs, manufacturing processes, and any proprietary technologies. Consider patents or other legal mechanisms to protect the intellectual assets of the business. Skill Development and Training: Prioritise the training of employees in both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. Establish inhouse training programs or partnerships with educational institutions to attract and train young talent. Date: 26.3.2025 Time: 8.00am – 10.30am Venue: Albion Mill, Thornhill Beck Lane, Brighouse HD6 4AH To book go to Eventbrite
13.11.2024 Industry Insight Factory Visit to Westin Drives Ltd, Huddersfield
Join CKMA for an Exclusive Factory Insight Visit at Westin Drives Westin Drives, the leading provider of mechanical and electrical repair services, is pleased to invite CKMA members to an exclusive factory visit. Get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at Westin’s daily operations and discover how they are helping businesses to stay at the forefront of manufacturing. Since our last CKMA visit a few years ago, the W S Westin Group has seen significant growth. Through strategic acquisitions, Westin have expanded their range of services, bringing previously outsourced work in-house. This allows them to offer enhanced design capabilities and embrace the latest technologies. Not only can they restore manufacturing operations quickly, but they also specialise in designing, implementing, and commissioning process improvements and upgrades. Westin’s historic 4-storey mill has been completely transformed, a new facility has been added to accommodate Westin’s expanded capabilities. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn how Westin Drives supports local manufacturers—through precision repair services, innovative product solutions, and expertise across multiple engineering disciplines.
16.10.2024 Industry Insight Factory Visit to Polyseam Ltd, Huddersfield
What’s Inside the Big Black Box? An Exclusive Look Inside Polyseam Date: Wednesday 16th 2024 Time: 08:00 – 10:30 Location: Polyseam Head Office, 15 St Andrews Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6SB Event Description: Curious about what happens inside the big black box on St Andrews Road? Now’s your chance to find out! Polyseam, a global manufacturer of passive fire protection and construction products, proudly serves nearing 200 customers across more than 50 countries. We are excited to open our doors for What’s Inside the Big Black Box?, offering a unique opportunity to explore the innovations and operations behind our people, products and processes. An exclusive event for members of The Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA). Join us as we give you an insider’s look into what makes Polyseam a global leader in passive fire protection. Agenda: 08:00-08:30: Arrival and Breakfast 08:30: Health & Safety Greeting 08:45: The Polyseam Journey & What is Passive Fire Protection? 09:00: Continuous Improvement in Sustainability and Certification 09:15: Fostering a Positive Culture at Polyseam 09:30: Factory Tour Whether you’re curious about our innovations, interested in sustainability, or want to explore the culture behind Polyseam, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Register now to secure your spot and find out what’s really inside the big black box! Places are limited. We anticipate this being a popular visit for our members so book early here