Eaton Factory Tour, Worksop

As part of a $21 billion, 115,000-employee global enterprise, Worksop-based Eaton Production International knows it has to perform. Dedicated to the manufacturing of switch disconnectors and rotary cam switches used by machine builders, the Eaton site at Worksop produces around 1 million of each basic switch type every year, although around 17,000 live products are available. The lean journey at Worksop commenced four years ago when Eaton acquired the Moeller Group. As a result, the plant now uses a well-defined leadership model linked to overall business objectives such as growing turnover by 6 year on year through to 2017. Known as APEX (Achieving Performance EXcellence), the model starts with the setting of directions and plans. Organisation and alignment comes via role models and team empowerment, while performance analysis arrives by way of development, reward and recognition, which in turn motivates employees to continuously learn and improve. CI activities are abundant. For instance, Worksop held its first value analysis/value engineering event earlier this year. Focusing on its highest volume assembly line, the company established a cross-functional team of 23. Collectively, through walking the process and brainstorming, 84 ideas for improvement were identified, nine of which were selected and approved with projected savings of £168,000. There is also an employee suggestion scheme with quarterly merit and financial awards. Ultimately then, not just a Highly Commended in this year's Best Electronics & Electrical Plant Award, but a deserved winner of the Energy & Environment Award. Individual Ticket Price: £350 per place excluding VAT Bookings of 3 or more people: £315 per place excluding VAT Limited to 10 places per visit Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Don't miss the chance to take this exclusive tour, book now online at www.wmfactorytours.co.uk or by calling Julie Knox on 01322 221144 or email julie.knox@findlay.co.uk