Schoolscapes

The manufacturing challenge

The ambitious nature of Schoolscapes highlighted the need to seek expert guidance and advice to meet an expected rise in demand, bring external products in-house for manufacture and continue to develop new products. Despite moving into larger premises in 2008, the available workspace had also become restricted.

• Schoolscapes
• Employees: 20
• Sector: Playground Equipment Manufacture
• Location: Cornwall

MAS Action

An initial review was undertaken, followed by a further visit to observe the operational process and identify possible areas for improvement. A short team training session took place, focussing on the benefits of ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’ in order to reduce the time spent searching for tools, equipment and information. The team produced their own improvement plan to make identified changes which were implemented immediately, in fact that afternoon!

Results

Results were instant and visible, with improvements being made to lay-outs in the production area with clearly defined ‘homes’ for everything. Tools were clearly labelled and given locations next to machines, stocks organised, floor space clearly marked and compact storage produced for off-cuts of wood.

There was no additional financial implication to the business in order to achieve the result other than a small amount of operator time.

Other benefits to the business:

• Better communications between teams
• Tidier workspace with less clean-up time
• Additional space identified for new product development and bespoke orders

Following the changes, Schoolscapes is meeting increased demand and working on a range of new products for the year ahead.

Key Achievements

• People and product movement reduced by around 50%
• Increased available floor space by approx. 25%
• Clean down times reduced by 60%
• Productivity increased by over 20%
• An improved work flow and greater visibility of stock