Product category:
General Subcontracting Services
News Release from: Shearline Precision Engineering | Subject: Efficient Sub-contracting services
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 January 2004
Shearline + Kaizen = Improved Efficiency
Cambridgeshire-based Shearline Precision Engineering has adopted the Kaizen process and found that it can save at least 25% off its changeover times.
Cambridgeshire-based Shearline Precision Engineering has adopted the Kaizen process and found that it can save at least 25% off its changeover times Kaizen, meaning continual improvement, is a Japanese process by which every act in the manufacturing process is assessed and measured for its efficiency in terms of time and labour
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 16 Oct 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Although it has been around for a long time, the Kaizen Institute in the UK admits that relatively small numbers of UK companies have adopted it.
Following attendance at one of the Institute's workshops, Shearline based in Ely, Cambridge, designed a programme to reduce the preparation time of setting up tools and machinery between jobs, a process borrowed from early Japanese work in press shops.
Each stage is measured and worked through methodically with the objective of shortening each subsequent stage either by eliminating an unwanted element or combining a certain practice with something else.
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MotionTouch, supplier for in-vehicle IT solutions, is benefiting from Shearline's unique total manufacturing process for the production of its latest in-vehicle technology systems.
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The Modern Apprentice scheme, adopted by Shearline Precision Engineering, is successfully helping to bridge the gap of skills shortages in the UK's manufacturing and engineering sectors.
The reduced lead times are clearly being seen by Shearline's customers with high quality components manufactured and delivered to the tightest of deadlines and with the utmost efficiency.
Shearline's team has evolved the programme to further benefit the company's efficiency.
Robert Halpin, Business Development Manager commented, "Adopting the Kaizen process has had excellent results, it took some time and preparation to get the new practices in place but it has certainly paid off.
"The secret to the success of the Kaizen process was understanding and commitment from all staff.
They took it on board that if we improved our performance it could help bring more business through the door in the long-term." Phil Vaughan of the Kaizen Institute commented; "Shearline is a great example of a company that has committed to a long term improvement strategy.
It has understood the needs of the business and has aggressively targeted areas of improvement that will benefit today, whilst ensuring it has a longer term view on the needs of its customers tomorrow." Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Shearline has established an enviable reputation throughout the manufacturing sector and today is regarded as one of the few UK engineering companies that offers a 'total manufacturing solution'.
The company employs more than 120 skilled staff and offers a seamless manufacturing solution from design consultancy and prototype through to delivery to world-class clients in markets as diverse as scientific and medical instrumentation, information and communications technology, security, automotive and inkjet printing.
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