As a forward-thinking organisation, Filtermist is constantly reviewing the efficiency of all aspects of its business to ensure customers receive the best products and services possible.
Filtermist’s long-term efficiency drive includes the introduction of ‘Lean Manufacturing’ across the business to ensure all units are working in the same way to help guarantee a consistent customer experience and a healthy balance sheet.
“Filtermist has acquired a number of other businesses over the past four years – each with its own systems, processes and procedures,” comments Director of Group Manufacturing, Simon Barron. “This brings a number of challenges, so a significant amount of resource has been focussed on streamlining all business units since the company restructured last year. The principles of Lean manufacturing will play a key role in Filtermist’s future.”
The dedicated project group took part in its first Lean training session today, led by manufacturing experts Colin Copeland and Graham Kennett from CIF Management Consultants. The group consists of Filtermist colleagues from across the business, led by Simon who joined Filtermist at the end of January. “I have extensive experience of implementing Lean in previous roles and I’m confident it will result in a wide range of operational improvements,” continues Simon. “The project group will be tasked with training their own teams so that eventually all of our UK production sites will operate as effectively as they possibly can.”
CIF Directors Colin and Graham both worked in the manufacturing industry before making the move to consultancy in 2001 and 2007 respectively. “We are delighted to be partnering with Filtermist on its Lean journey,” says Graham. “The current climate means it’s more important than ever for businesses to identify areas where improvements can be made.”
Filtermist has more than 50 years’ experience of manufacturing and installing high-quality filtration equipment which is designed to ensure the air in industrial workplaces is clean and safe to breathe. The Telford based company recognises the importance of continually investing in its people so they have the chance to progress their careers and the organisation can offer the best customer experience possible.
Training plays a vital role, as Director of Group Shared Services, Johanna Morris explains, “Continuous improvement applies to our people just as much as our business. The current uncertainty caused by COVID has created lots of challenges, but it is has also given us an opportunity to re-assess our strategy and ensure we are heading in the right direction. Implementing Lean and training employees in this way of working should bring a number of both personal and business benefits and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.”
Image caption: Lean training taking place at Filtermist's production facility in Northampton - home to the Kerstar range of industrial vacuum cleaners.