Purdie production processes 'massively improved' due to 'Lean Manufacturing' disciplines
Purdie Dished Endsâ works manager Andy Baird says a commitment to adopting âlean manufacturingâ processes has transformed the way the companyâs shop floor operates â bringing much greater efficiency to all production processes.
The company â which has been operating for close to 100 years - has been working with industry specialists to challenge the approach taken on the shop floor and encourage greater cleanliness, organisation and order.
It has seen all working practices reviewed in a bid to identify inefficiencies and wastage, with leadership teams appointed on the factory floor and tasked with not only highlighting poor practices, but also devising new, efficient ways of working.
It has seen them commit to the â5Sâ programme to help de-clutter, organise, clean, standardise and sustain âLeanâ thinking throughout the business.
âQuite simply, it is all about everything having a place, and ensuring that everything is organised and looked after. If people use a machine, they donât just finish their work and walk away, they maintain the piece of equipment and clean it as they work, ensuring all equipment is where it should be for the next person.â said Mr Baird
âThe difference between the factory floor here now and a few years ago is amazing. People have really bought into it as they can see the changes we have made have made their working day easier and more rewarding. Thereâs much less downtime, much less waste.â
The programme at Purdie Dished Ends has also coincided with increased numbers being employed on the factory floor in recent years, to cope with extra orders and demands from customers â somewhat breaking the national trend in manufacturing.
âThe company has invested in its shop floor, both through people and through new equipment,â added Mr Baird.
âI have been here since 1991 and I have worked on the shop floor in all that time. I canât begin to describe how far we have come, not only over the past 10 years, but over the past 18 months.â