Industry Forum

A case study in the approval to the global automotive specification ISO/TS16949. The activity focussed on the achievement of the global automotive specification ISO/TS16949 through the partnership of Setco, The Northwest Automotive Alliance and SMMT Industry Forum. “After a lot of hard work and excellent support from our employees, we felt confident and ready for …more

A case study in leadership development Background Our client is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defence products. They design, manufacture and service systems and components as well as providing integrated solutions for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms. They are also a major supplier to …more

Improving assembly processes through the application of lean manufacturing. Background Leyland Trucks manufactures the full range of DAF Trucks, from 7.5 to 44 tonnes, at its facility in Leyland. All vehicles are produced on one line at a rate of 20,000 per year. The facility operates in line with the Paccar Production System (PPS) and …more

A case study in the introduction of lean training for employees. Background Formed in 1955, and privately owned since 2000, ELE Advanced Technologies (ELE) located in Lancashire, specialises in non-conventional machining for aerospace and land based industrial gas turbines. They also produce precision components for the automotive industry.  Key customers include Rolls-Royce, Siemens and Alstom. …more

Quality downtime and line balance improvements at a major salads supplier. Background A salad products supplier to the UK retail market, this client supplies direct to major supermarkets. Within this market, lead times are short with a need to react rapidly to end customer demands much of which may be weather driven. The Challenge Daily …more

A case study of a process improvement MasterClass in the Fresh Produce sector. The activity focussed on productivity improvement and cost reduction in a packing process and was achieved using techniques including data analysis, takt, line balance and visual management. “The Masterclass has provided us with the tools and techniques to establish and plan the …more

A case study in implementing the Productivity and Competitiveness (PAC) framework in the Electrical Appliances sector. This activity focussed on productivity and capacity improvement and was underpinned by the NVQ level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques. It was achieved using techniques including effective teamwork, standard operations, 7 wastes, workplace organisation (5C / 5S) and organisational …more

A case study in implementing the Productivity and Competitiveness (PAC) framework in the Automotive Sector. The activity focussed on productivity and quality improvement and was underpinned by the NVQ level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques. It was achieved using techniques including effective teamwork, problem solving, 5C/5S, standard operations and visual management. “The PAC exercise enabled …more

A case study of increasing profitability through the development of a world-class supply chain. Background Perkins Engines at Stafford intended to support rapid growth in volumes and to drive an increase in profitability by developing a supply chain capable of world-class performance. The Challenge Perkins Engines at Stafford produces medium-to-large size engines for the Electrical …more

A case study in Supply Chain Improvements in the Power Generation sector. This supply chain development activity focussed on delivery and productivity improvement and was achieved using techniques including effective teamwork, 5C / 5S, flexible production systems, visual management, standard operations and set up improvement (SMED). “Because of commitments to other programmes at the time, …more

A case study in Supply Chain Improvements in the Aerospace Sector. This supply chain development activity focussed on delivery improvement and was underpinned by the NVQ level 3 in Business Improvement Techniques. It was achieved using techniques including effective teamwork, flexible production systems, 5C /5S, standard operations and visual management. “In September 2005 the Goodrich …more

A case study of Process Improvement in the Automotive Sector. This supply chain development activity focussed on defect reduction and productivity improvement. This was achieved using techniques including effective teamwork, 5C / 5S, flexible production systems, standard operations, single piece flow and visual management. “It is not just the achievement of the solution, which wouldn’t …more

A National Supply Chain Group case study in the Aerospace Sector. This supply chain development activity focussed on delivery improvement and lead time reduction. This was achieved using techniques including data analysis, workplace organisation, visual management, standard operations and set up improvement (SMED). The Customer The Host GKN Aerospace specialises in the design, testing, manufacture …more

A case study in Enhanced Team Leader Training incorporating NVQ Level 3 in Business Improvement techniques in the Coach Built Vehicle sector. The activity focussed on improving both productivity and quality and was achieved using techniques including standard operations and 7 wastes. “I’ve really enjoyed compiling the evidence for my Business Improvement Techniques qualification. I’m …more

A business process improvement programme resulting in a 60% reduction in lead times. Background ENER-G designs, develops and finances energy efficient, sustainable and renewable solutions on a business-to-business basis globally. Components, primarily engines, are purchased from automotive suppliers to support the business. The engines are used at the heart of ENER-G’s efficient Combined Heat and …more

A case study in the Value Stream Mapping of business processes (manufacturing). Background Formed in 1955, and privately owned since 2000, ELE Advanced Technologies (ELE) located in Lancashire, specialises in non-conventional machining for aerospace and land based industrial gas turbines. They also produce precision components for the automotive industry.  Key customers include Rolls-Royce, Siemens and …more

A case study in value stream transformation at an automotive interior components supplier. Background The client is one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive interior components who supply all of the major automotive OEMs. Their core product categories include door and trim systems, instrument panels, consoles, cockpits, flooring, acoustic systems, headliner and overhead systems …more

A case study in increasing capacity through the implementation of lean tools & techniques – Value Stream Mapping. Background Electron Technical Solutions Ltd (Electron) is a UK leader in the painting of plastic components, providing matt, semi-gloss, full-gloss, soft feel, spatter, metallic and chrome effect finishes. Electron has facilities to produce small or large volumes, …more