Fujifilm- two-time winner of Britain's Best Process Plant at the BFAs-has taken right first time levels to near 100% and transformed its business from producing their heritage analogue products to pioneering precision UV curing digital inks.
The plant is not large, at approx. 8000m2 but has 2300 SKU's and manufactures 11,000 batches a year. Broadstairs is a model of decentralised control within a small batch, flexible manufacturing process.
Exacting digital ink batches must be produced to ink pigment particle sizes between 100 and 300 nanometres- smaller than the average human cell.
The quest for near perfection has involved huge investment in plant and people. The management team has focussed on engaging and multi-skilling the workforce to master new digital ink production with the introduction of NVQs in Business Improvement Techniques to help employees eliminate waste. Three cross functional CI teams have been set up to target kaizen and the site has saved more than 3,000 man-hours and counting.
Fujifilm also invested £3m in a new digital ink production facility and had to bring it online without disruption to customers or compromising right first time quality levels. At the same time the site achieved "zero to landfill" status and gained accreditation to the OHSAS 18001 safety standard.
Event Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Individual Ticket Price: £350 plus VAT (multiple booking discounts available)
Don't miss the chance to take this exclusive tour, book now by visiting the website at: www.wmfactorytours.co.uk or call Julie Knox on 01322 221144 or email julie.knox@findlay.co.uk
