‘Lean commandments’ on offer from Jaguar, Leyland, Unilever and Rexam

Sharing the stage will be leading figures from companies including Nichols Foods, Faurecia, David S Smith Corrugated, NEC Semiconductors and Airbags International – as well as the Manufacturing Institute’s own practitioners like John Bicheno of Cardiff Business School’s Lean Enterprise Research Centre. Word is ‘Thou shalt maximise value to customer’ will be right up there at number one on the lean commandments list. Others for going lean and staying that way will include ‘seeking simplicity and visibility’, ‘eliminating waste’, ‘implementing pull-based demand chains’, ‘preventing problems before they occur’ and ‘reducing lead times and variation in processes and ensuring continuous improvement’. We’re told this won’t be a dry and dusty presentation. During the day, the speakers will illustrate the lean tools they themselves use to sustain impact and deliver real bottom line benefits. Top of the list will be Value stream and muda mapping, TPM (total prouctive maintenance), Six sigma and process capability techniques, as well as standardisation and people strategies for a lean environment. Says Dr Julie Madigan, chief executive of the Institute: “In one day we’re bringing together some of England’s leading authorities and experts on lean manufacturing. This Masterclass will offer a fast track understanding of lean philosophies and techniques. It will spell out the Lean Commandments that all manufacturers must adopt if they are to rise to the intense challenge of globalisation and rapid market change.” Phone Anne Campion on 0161 874 3206 (email annec@tpmi.co.uk or www.manu-online.com) for details. As the DTI’s Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence (RCME), The Institute is able to offer substantial subsidies on the day’s seminar to SME manufacturers based in the North West.