THE South West has approximately 12,000 manufacturing businesses generating £11 billion for the economy and employing nearly 300,000 people.

Since its launch the MAS-SW has helped more than 2,000 manufacturers on issues ranging from implementing low carbon practices; increasing productivity and helping companies enter new markets.

The South West is leading the field when it comes to survival rates for businesses with the highest figure in the UK.

But how do manufacturers feel about their future? The South West Manufacturing Barometer, compiled by the MAS-SW, indicated that manufacturers are optimistic. A third have seen a rise in enquiries compared to six months ago, while 54 per cent expect to see a further increase in sales over the next six months.

Based in Clyst St Mary, Tom's Pies is spearheaded by owner and head chef Tom Cull. The food manufacturer wanted to boost pie production from 300 to 3,000 per week, using its new manufacturing facility in a more efficient way.

With an eye on these objectives, Tom's Pies sought the expertise of MAS-SW to help source the right equipment, and then to install and commission it to meet this tenfold increase in output of gourmet pies. The purchase of the most appropriate equipment for the manufacturing area produced a more lean production flow, resulting in the kitchen output doubling within the year.

The MAS-SW's timely advice given on the layout and machinery needed supported the increased production capacity of gourmet pies from 300 to 3,000 per week to meet customer demand. The pie business now also has the potential to increase capacity to 10,000 pies per week.

Mr Cull said: "We managed to complete our scale up with help and support from MAS-SW. Having doubled the kitchen output, the advice given by the manufacturing specialist has enabled the team to increase output and the size of the production area."

While South West manufacturers are optimistic about the future, the barometer exposed a lack of awareness regarding the potential for growth. Some 76 per cent of respondents said that the emerging low carbon market would have no impact on their business despite the region being declared the UK's first Low Carbon Economic Area in 2009.

This represents a real challenge for the MAS-SW. A Government commitment to make £19.5 million available to the region as part of a £100m programme in marine renewables provides an investment that manufacturers can capitalise on.

The MAS-SW, funded by the South West RDA through the European Regional Development Fund, is in no doubt that the next year will continue to present challenges for manufacturers. However, many are well placed, in terms of their geography and knowledge base, to embrace emerging markets.