Haden Freeman picks up PICME

London — Engineering and consultancy company Haden Freeman has taken over ownership of industry support organisation PICME (the Process Industry Centre for Manufacturing Excellence).

PICME was formed by the DTI in partnership with the Chemical Industries Association and other trade associations in the chemicals, rubber and plastics, and packaging industries. The DTI provided funding of £1.5 million over three years to launch the initiative back in 2000.

Headquartered in Redcar, PICME operates a core team of a chief executive, eight improvement engineers and seven specialist consultants. The group was previously overseen by an advisory body of industrialists, DTI sponsors and other industrial partners.

PICME applies on-site diagnostics, benchmarking and masterclass techniques to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and polymer product manufacturers. Client companies have included British Vita, Fisher Scientific, Great Lakes, Jotun Paints and Rohm & Hass.

Manchester-based Haden Freeman offers a range of engineering and management services to chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, oil and gas, utility, insurance, transport and general manufacturing industries. The company delivers solutions in areas such as risk assessment and safety, environment and quality management systems.

“The combination of an excellent PICME team and Haden Freeman means chemical businesses and other manufacturing businesses can now get world class support in improving their competitiveness and efficiency,” said Steve Elliott CIA chief executive.