Birmingham pressworker’s increased workload demands factory expansion

The project, which is planned for completion in September, involves an investment of approximately £25,000, and will result in the recruitment of additional staffing in the areas of goods inwards, stock control and material distribution. This follows a year when the pressing manufacturer's workforce has already increased by 25% to accommodate workload. The additional space required will be obtained by utilising an adjacent unit, already owned by H T Brigham, which had been previously let out. This is now being prepared for use to expand the warehouse department. Tenders to Midlands based architects and contractors having been issued and work due to commence early July. The new unit, which will more than double the department's floor space, will comprise specially designated zones for material receipt, WIP, finished goods, packing and despatch. The unit will also provide improved access for deliveries and collections, as well as additional tool storage space. The results will improve process efficiency and increase productive space on the factory floor. The finished unit footprint will optimise workflow through the section, reducing process waste and ultimately improving efficiency. 5S principles, including ergonomic working practices, which have already been successfully implemented on the factory floor, will be incorporated to assist this process. The result will be a more streamlined process from material receipt right through to component despatch.