Robinson Manufacturing Ltd
Robinson Manufacturing Lorry
"Approach MAS as early as possible once you decide to embark on an improvement plan." Jack McMinn, Director, Robinson Manufacturing Ltd
The Manufacturing Challenge
Robinson Manufacturing Ltd design, manufacture and supply quality cost effective timber construction products. The business was started 25 years ago and has grown to be one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of Trussed Rafters and Ecojoists in the UK. The company has continually strived to provide its customers with the best products and services by embracing modern technology and production techniques.
Sales and Marketing Director, Jack McMinn, explains the situation in November 2010: “The construction industry was badly hit at the start of the recession and as a supplier to the construction industry our company was affected. Management took the view that to survive the recession and position itself for recovery we needed to review our manufacturing processes and the way we interacted with our customers. It was recognised that although there were sound manufacturing and marketing skills currently within the business, we did not fully understand out processes and thus how to improve them.”
MAS Action
Robinson Manufacturing Ltd were put in touch with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) through Business Link. MAS Advisor Dean Barnes visited the Wellingborough site to perform a review of the company. Jack continues: “MAS undertook a health check of our business and provided an overview report. They recommended suitable external resource if it was required.”
As part of their five year development plan, Robinson Manufacturing Ltd decided to utilise MAS funding to access expert consultancy. The selected consultancy, The BW Partnership, took up the project and began work with the team at Robinson Manufacturing to achieve a clearer understanding of lean manufacturing, process measurement and cost reduction.
Jack McMinn explains: “As well as improving production processes we needed to reduce lead times and to reduce waste in all its forms.”
Results
The ten day project, part-funded by MAS, was successful in helping Robinson Manufacturing Ltd realise their ambitions. MAS Advisor Dean Barnes comments: “The result of this lean manufacturing support has now allowed the business to focus on predictability of supply, from goods in through to delivery, which previously was seen as unpredictable, ad-hoc and very paperwork driven. The benefits of the project include lean training, benchmarking of performance, data analysis, systems improvement, process mapping and takt time analysis.”
Jack McMinn said: “MAS support helped us improve productivity and increase our market share which had a positive impact on the bottom line.” The project created two new jobs, safeguarded a further two jobs and an estimated £665,000 worth of costs have been saved.
Jack has a piece of advice for anyone in a similar situation to Robinson Manufacturing: “Approach MAS as early as possible once you decide to embark on an improvement plan.”
