"Together we can develop the manufacturing industry"

IUC Väst is the business network that works for a vibrant Fyrbodal where the manufacturing companies are competitive and have a good growth. They are the main partner in the Production Technology Center (PTC) and we have met Ann-Charlotte Karlsson, industrial developer and communicator at IUC Väst.

- We work broadly in different areas with companies in many industries. Some areas where we benefit are in digitization, automation and robotization, production efficiency and skills supply, says Ann-Charlotte.

IUC Väst supports companies with skills development, including by organizing training courses. Through a collaboration with University West, they conduct a Lean training and they also work with networks through their focus groups in several different areas of interest.

- With various tools, we identify the companies' development needs, match them with the right initiatives and coach the company along the way. This can be anything from skills development from us at IUC West to help and support from Almi or an expert from RISE.

Seeing a bright future together with PTC

As IUC Väst is located next door to PTC, cooperation has been natural for several years. For example, they have arranged study visits for focus groups and companies and also helped to organize Automation Day.

- "By being part of the PTC, we want to highlight the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. With the opportunities and collaborations available in the PTC, they can further develop their businesses and thus become more competitive," explains Ann-Charlotte.

- Together we can help develop our manufacturing industry. With our good network of contacts to companies in the industrial sector and the cooperation with other PTC partners, we see a bright future together with PTC with more demonstrators that small and medium-sized companies can take part in.

Wants to help companies look beyond their borders

When asked about the challenges facing the sector, Ann-Charlotte says that small and medium-sized enterprises are very important for the region's and Sweden's economy and employment.

- For many companies, making time is a challenge. They are putting out fires here and now, and we want to be there to help them look beyond that. The strategic work is crucial for them to have the ability to adapt and be resilient.

- By utilizing the skills that exist within the work group and making an overview of what is missing, the company can develop skills to meet future challenges. This will also make the company sustainable over time.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on both individual companies and the business community in general. During this time, IUC West has continued to work to support companies.

- We are here for businesses. Even if we haven't been able to visit them physically, we have supported and coached them on everything from lean issues to how to conduct sales calls digitally.

In 10 years, the goal of IUC Väst is to be the natural partner for Fyrbodal's industry, where companies turn when they see a need in their business and get support to be able to do what they do best.