5S setting the standard in new factory
Michell Instruments Ltd is the international leader in the field of moisture and humidity measurement solutions across a wide range of industries and applications. It has seen a turnover increase of 60% in the last two years, achieved by providing high quality and reliable customised products through a committed team of people. The decision to move into new premises in 2007 provided the opportunity to embed a culture of lean thinking and to excel in customer service by reducing lead times and improving product quality. As part of this large-scale project, Michell Instruments asked MAS-East to help create a 5S exemplar within the manufacturing area that could act as the beacon for the rest of the organisation.
“ I can’t believe how different the factory is now compared to the way it was in the old factory."
Norbert Gerhardt
Managing Director TKE Germany
“ I would like to compliment the MAS-East team on the high quality of this intervention. They were able hit the right spot for my staff and have left them highly motivated to take this concept through to our new factory - this is exactly the outcome I was looking for."
Duncan Allan,
Manufacturing Director, Michell Instruments Ltd
The ambition for the project was to complete the initial workplace transformation before transferring operations to the new factory. This required transferring the newly created state so that the standard was set from day one.
The manufacturing team and a selection of functional managers were firstly trained in 5S and workplace organisation approaches.
The Michell team proved to be excellent students, very quickly identifying ways to reduce stock, improve lead times and keep workplaces uncluttered so that a good standard was in place before the transfer.
The improvements were quickly defined and the new standard commenced roll out across all manufacturing, stores and service areas.
The team were able to report an immediate reduction in inventory whilst the production team saw improvements in lead time performance, achieving a 30% improvement adherence to schedule.
The company has seen the improvement in professional standards and appearance and has received congratulations from a number of VIP visitors.
