Manufacturing companies across the UK will soon be benefiting from a unique training programme developed in the South West.
The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (The Skills Academy) has been working with manufacturers in the region to pilot new courses that promote ‘Lean’ manufacturing processes.

Brian Thornton, regional manager for The Skills Academy in the South West, explained: “Over the past few months we have been working with two companies in the region to trial the Lean Foundation Programme, an entry level short course that gives workers an introduction to the principles of lean manufacturing.”

The two companies – Plymouth-based computer cabinet manufacturer Rittal-CSM and Relyon, which makes beds at its factories in Wellington, Taunton and Okehampton – have introduced the course alongside NVQ qualifications in Business Improvement Techniques. As a result they have seen marked improvements in quality, cost reduction and product delivery. The initial pilots have proved so successful that the course look set to be adopted across the UK.

Email: emma.mulligan@nsa-m.co.uk
www.nsa-m.co.uk