In May 2004, Harris Springs Limited of Twyford, Reading, started their move to Lean Manufacturing techniques which is expected to take two years to fully implement. Although not a new technique for increasing efficiency in business, Lean manufacturing is entering somewhat of a renaissance as companies come under ever increasing pressure to compete on a global basis. Harris Springs Managing Director, Philip Harris, explains:

"As new challenges arise from competition in Eastern Europe and the Far East and margins continue to be eroded, we have to develop new strategies to improve efficiency and productivity if we are going to continue to survive. Lean manufacturing is a proven methodology that seeks to minimise the resources required for production by eliminating the waste that inflates costs, lead times and inventory requirements. The emphasis is on the use of preventative maintenance, quality improvement programmes, pull systems and flexible work forces and production facilities. It involves everybody in the company working together to improve the working environment to become more efficient and productive".

Harris Springs will be training the whole of the workforce in the next two years in the base Lean manufacturing tools of 5S, Standard Operations, Kaizen and Skill Control. Currently Mike Ansell, Production Manager, has completed a 10-day in depth lean manufacturing course with Yorkshire Productivity and is championing the introduction of Lean to the Company. He said:

"During the 10 day course I have learnt the theory and the practice of a lean manufacturing strategy. I have seen how it can improve a company's working practises by increasing output and reducing waste. I am looking forward to when we [Harris Springs] can reach the standards that we are setting ourselves. It will take time, but by working together to improve our efficiency, we can raise the profile of the company and become more competitive in the market place".

The first full training session for all staff in 5S (Clearing up, Organising, Cleaning, Standardising and Training & Discipline) was completed in June.

Contact Harris Springs for details of the company's product range and services or telephone 0118 934 0024.