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News Release from: Cranfield School of Management | Subject: Best Practice and Innovation in UK Manufacturing
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 12 September 2003
Report showcases pioneering work
practices
A research report - 'Best Practice and Innovation in UK Manufacturing' - identifies examples of best practice to achieve high levels of performance and to improve profitability.
Manufacturing companies with pioneering work practices are showcased in a new research report, Best Practice and Innovation in UK Manufacturing The Department of Trade and Industry report is co-written by Dr Marek Szwejczewski from Cranfield School of Management and independent editor John Dwyer
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 7 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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It identifies examples of best practice which have helped manufacturing firms to achieve high levels of performance and to improve their profitability.
The companies cover a spectrum of sectors from consumer goods to industrial equipment, electronics to soft drinks.
All are candid about the problems they faced, explain the changes they implemented and detail how the improvements have been maintained and built upon.
The report is available to the public and Dr Szwejczewski hopes other manufacturing companies will take advantage of its findings: "The report provides companies with a wealth of information and advice about the manufacturing sector - the pitfalls to avoid, and how to implement changes successfully.
There is free benchmarking data which, combined with the information contained within the in-depth case studies, provides manufacturers with an invaluable management resource," he said.
The companies profiled in the report are as follows.
* Anson Packaging and Domino Printing Services, Cambridgeshire.
* Coca-Cola Enterprises, North London.
* Reckitt Benckiser, Hull.
* Schefenacker Vision Systems UK, Southampton.
* Trend Control Systems, Horsham, West Sussex.
The companies are all past winners of the Management Today Awards for Manufacturing.
They received their accolades in 2002 and were selected for inclusion because they have continued to be progressive and proactive in improving their systems.
"The companies have continued to innovate and revolutionise their working practices since winning their awards and many have also examined their wider working environment, encouraging innovation within the supply chain, or reversing earlier decisions such as out-sourcing," said Dr Szwejczewski.
"Our research also shows that the most successful and innovative companies are those who invest in their staff.
This report will give many companies food for thought and, while not a blueprint to be implemented verbatim, should give manufacturers ideas and the incentive to make changes in their own companies," he said.
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