BIRMINGHAM, UK - 27th January 2005 - The Engineering Services Division of Conekt, the engineering and consultancy business of TRW Limited, will implement a '5S' approach to workplace organisation over the forthcoming months to simplify the work environment, reduce waste, and improve quality, efficiency, and safety. The initiative will be supported by significant investment in plant and equipment.
The 5S approach fosters operational efficiency through a process of Sorting - the elimination of unnecessary items from the workplace; Setting in order - focussing on efficient storage methods; Shining - the regular cleaning of a workspace; Standardising - working with employees to create a universal set of best practices; and Sustaining - aiming to create a new standard of workplace organisation.
Chris Tarling, business manager for Conekt, said, "Benefits should be quickly visible and the business hopes to see increased productivity and improved quality as well as less waste in materials, space and time. Our customers should see immediate improvements, including even lower lead times and increased responsiveness to customer requirements. The aim is to maintain a world-class development and validation facility."
The introduction of the 5S approach is an integral part of Conekt's continuous improvement programme, which, over the last year, has seen Conekt gain and maintain a significant portfolio of accreditations and certifications.
