Creating a positive future for Manufacturing
According to the EEF's latest survey, manufacturing in the South East outperformed every other region of Britain over the past three months with manufacturers reporting buoyant trading conditions on the back of rising demand in overseas markets - looking forward this all points to positive growth prospects.
Manufacturing is an important sector for the future of the South East economy, which will drive growth throughout the region. The manufacturing landscape continues to evolve and significant opportunities exist in all areas of manufacturing and especially high value manufacturing such as the marine sector. For this reason it is very important that the advanced manufacturing marine base continues to produce innovative products and cutting edge processes.
Manufacturing specialists at MAS South East have first hand knowledge on how advanced manufacturing is developing amongst SME's in the region. MAS South East supports SME's to increase their profitability in a number of ways including reviewing their manufacturing processes.
One example of an innovative manufacturer who has seen excellent results from MAS South East assistance is Kittiwake Development Ltd.
Kittiwake is a Sussex-based hi-tech manufacturer who develops innovative technology solutions for fuel and lube oil analysis and water testing.
As part of ongoing efforts to streamline processes and improve productivity, Kittiwake underwent an MAS South East Lean Implementation programme aimed at one of the company's primary products.
Stuart Wood, MAS South East Specialist provided basic training on lean manufacturing followed by a guided paper mapping exercise and waste identification.
As a result of the programme the following achievements were recorded in the manufacturing process:
* 92% reduction in distance traveled around the shop floor
* 89% reduction in lead times
* 89% people productivity improvements
* 34% increased value add per employee
* Initial £2K inventory reduction
* £40K of tangible benefit generated
Kittiwake are looking to the offshore oil and gas markets as key areas for future growth and are planning significant investment in R&D to develop products in the marine and related industries.
For more information on MAS South East please contact Stuart Wood at stuartwood@mas-se.org.uk or log onto http://www.mas-se.org.uk
To access some free MAS consultancy as part of Marine South East's SMARTA programme please contact Stephen Sharp on stephen@marinesoutheast.co.uk or visit http://www.smarta.uk.com
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