Toyota specialists are helping SMEs identify waste, improve processes and prepare for future technology investment
South East manufacturers are being given access to Toyota’s world-renowned production expertise through a new partnership aimed at cutting waste and improving productivity.
Made Smarter South East, the government-backed technology adoption programme, has joined forces with the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC) to bring lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques directly to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The organisations have developed a two-day programme designed to help SMEs improve their processes, identify waste and increase productivity before committing to new technology.
The programme was first piloted in Buckinghamshire, where 14 manufacturers took part at furniture manufacturer Ercol’s factory in Princes Risborough.
The first day included workshops, practical exercises and a factory tour. On the second day, Toyota specialists worked directly with selected businesses to apply the principles to their own operations.
CTE Advanced Technologies, Gibbs Gears Precision Engineers, 3 Way Displays and Hansford Sensors were among the businesses to receive more detailed support, with Toyota examining their operations and identifying potential areas for improvement.
Following the Buckinghamshire pilot, Made Smarter South East and Toyota took the initiative to Kent.
A further two-day programme was delivered in Sittingbourne in partnership with Kent County Council, attracting manufacturers from Kent and East Sussex.
Seven businesses took part: Bulgaro, Catchpole and Rye, Contracts Engineering, Torr Scientific, D.K. Holdings, G & J (CNC) Group and Cammegh.
Jez Heys, technology adoption specialist at Made Smarter South East, said digital transformation needed to begin with a clear understanding of how a business currently operates.
“Digital transformation isn’t just about investing in new technology. Manufacturers need to understand their processes, where the waste is and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.
“That’s why lean and digital transformation work hand in hand, and why we’re delighted to be working with Toyota.
“This collaboration gives South East SMEs access to decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, helping them improve the way they work today and make smarter decisions about the technology they invest in tomorrow.”
Ercol operations director Ian Peers said the programme had demonstrated how Toyota’s approach could be applied beyond the automotive industry.
“The workshop was fascinating and pitched really well for manufacturers outside the automotive sector. We’re now looking at how we can build on what we learned through further training and support to help improve productivity at our UK factory.”
Toyota’s Production System has become one of the best-known manufacturing approaches in the world, focusing on efficiency, continuous improvement and reducing waste.
The Toyota Lean Management Centre was established in the UK in 2009 to share the company’s experience with other organisations through training and practical support.
TLMC coach Steve Nelson said the response from manufacturers taking part in the Buckinghamshire and Kent sessions had been positive.
“We are really excited to have this collaboration with Made Smarter South East. There has been so much enthusiasm and engagement from the delegates who attended the events in Buckinghamshire and Kent.”
He added: “Our coaches will work with local SMEs supporting the development of their businesses, but more importantly their people. Utilising the tools of the Toyota Production System alongside the cultural toolbox we call the Toyota Way, we firmly believe that these methods can be applied in any business.”
Made Smarter South East is now looking at opportunities to extend the programme to manufacturers elsewhere in the region.
The lean manufacturing initiative forms part of a wider package of support available to SME manufacturers through the programme.
Businesses registering with Made Smarter South East can access specialist advice, digital roadmaps, leadership and skills development, internships and grant funding to support technology adoption.
More information is available through the Made Smarter South East programme.