East London electrical products manufacturer Lewden Electrical Industries has powered up its productivity by a massive 61% with the help of the London Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS):
Lewden Electrical Industries, a family-run company which makes bespoke equipment and electrical distribution systems and employs 130 staff, brought in London MAS troubleshooters to help fine-tune its operations and boost its competitiveness.
London MAS was set up by the Department of Trade and Industry to help the capital's 16,000 manufacturers face up to increasing competition from abroad.
Twelve Lewden staff from across the assembly area, mould shop, stores and offices took part in an on-site workshop led by London MAS manufacturing specialists.
Lean in just five days:
In just five days the team had adopted innovative 'lean' manufacturing methods which transformed the production and stores areas. Changeover/assembly time was reduced from 6 minutes, 25 seconds to just 55 seconds, while travel distance around the shop floor was slashed from 2200m to 220m and picking time cut from 55 minutes to just 14 minutes. This shortened lead time by 70% and boosted productivity by 61% - leading to an increased potential turnover for Lewden of 25%.
The programme was so successful and had such a positive impact on staff morale that Lewden bosses decided to introduce the same techniques to all departments.
Anthony Wilkins, director of operations at Lewden said, "I have noticed significant changes in the employees that took part in the process and that will act as a catalyst to change the company for the future. London MAS has given us the tools to make the change - the future is in our hands."
London MAS team leader, David Fletcher, commented, "After a week of intense training and implementation, Lewden achieved impressive savings as well as establishing a culture that can sustain a continual drive for further improvement."
About MAS:
The Manufacturing Advisory Service is a DTI supported initiative to provide manufacturers with hands-on support and practical advice. In London, the MAS is delivered by the Business Link for London, the largest business support organisation in the capital, and EEF South, the regional Engineering Employer's Federation, and is supported by the London Development Agency. MAS can be contacted on 0845 850 44 00; email info@mas-london.co.uk or visit www.mas-london.co.uk
London-based Lewden Electrical Industries is part of Lewden Metal Products Ltd., and makes high class industrial plugs and sockets, enclosures, conduits, site electrical products, water-tight electrics and more.
Lewden Electrical Industries
(Lewden Metal Products Ltd.,)
Argall Avenue, London E10 7QD
Tel: 020 8539 0233
Fax: 020 8558 2001
Web: www.lewden.net
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