The Euro Info Centre (EIC) of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (FING), in collaboration with the EIC of the Chamber of Commerce Veneto (EIC Veneto) was responsible for the implementation of the EU programme “STAR – Supporting Training Around Regions” during the period 2007-2008. This project was co-financed by the Enlargement Directorate General.

The STAR Programme focused on improving the competitiveness of companies that are located in border regions and which are active in those sectors particularly affected by EU Enlargement. The aim of the programme was to provide specialised training for company personnel in mass customisation methodology and processes.

The term mass customization is defined as the use of flexible computer-aided manufacturing systems to produce customised / personalised products. In this way, companies are able to produce customised items within the same order-delivery time frame, to the same quality standards and at the same low costs that are achieved using mass production methods.

The sector selected for the implementation of the programme in the region of Northern Greece was the textiles and clothing industry.

The main objectives of the STAR Programme were as follows:
• Strategic management of the essential actions and changes to be undertaken in all divisions of an enterprise in order to ensure the most effective application of mass customization methodology and procedures
• Improvement of knowledge and information concerning issues related to the production of mass customized items
• Improvement of workers’ skills and knowledge related to the development and production of mass customized textile and clothing items
• Retraining and re-employment in the labour market of experienced former workers from the textile and clothing industry.

Actions undertaken within the context of the STAR programme:
• Seminar, for company personnel (from production, product research and development, sales, marketing, administration) from the textile and clothing sector, related to the issue of mass customization. This event was held on Monday 24th September at the FING offices. The seminar was attended by 30 participants, including representatives from 20 companies. On the following day, a company visit was organized to an enterprise from the textile and clothing industry in order to provide specialized advice and individualized practical information
• Creation and publication of a Best Practices Guide (including case studies from companies in Northern Greece)
• Creation of an electronic interactive e-learning platform for the purposes of training and informing companies via internet about issues related to mass customization.

The results of the seminar and of all the activities undertaken within the framework of the STAR Programme were presented at the Final Conference held in Italy on 11th March 2008.

For copies of the Best Practices Guide and the material distributed at the seminar, please contact the EIC Thessaloniki (tel: +30 2310 539 817, fax: +30 2310 541 491).

Contact person: Monika Nagy
E-mail: euroinfo@sbbe.gr  

Project co-financed by DG Enlargement