Thales Missiles - Basingstoke, Hampshire

The breaching of the German Ruhr dams in 1943 was heralded as one of the breakthrough events of World War II. More than sixty years on, the company whose heritage includes manufacturing the fuses for the Dambuster, 617 Squadron's, famous bouncing bombs raid is making a different kind of history. Described by Cranfield School of Management Best Factory Award judges as having made a "herculean thrust into the vanguard of the country's manufacturing elite", the new factory that Thales Missile Electronics moved into a dozen years ago is to be opened up to WM readers. You are invited to visit the plant whose lean programme features: Integrated test and assembly functions Multi-disciplined staff undertaking numerous tasks An award-winning environmental health and safety culture A working ethos based on capability Single piece flow lines A fully integrated manufacturing execution system driving production A new supply-line improvement programme Commendable environmental projects The tour cost is £350 per person and multiple booking discounts are available. If you would like to visit this Best Factory Award winning plant on Wednesday, 19 January 2011, call Julie Knox on 01322 221144 or email her at jknox@findlay.co.uk. For further information visit: www.factoryvisit.worksmanagement.co.uk