Manufacturing
Investsefton’s manufacturing support specialists define manufacturing as “The process of transforming raw materials into finished goods for commercialisation, not always on an industrial scale. It includes maintenance and repair operations and invariably involves the use of various forms of tools; both hand and machine”.
Two of the major elements of support and advice within the manufacturing sector are related to Processes and Engineering. The following activities are examples of processes where assistance is available to our qualifying clientele:
- Design
- Fabrication and heat bonding
- Machined parts
- Assembly
- Installation
- Commissioning
- Maintenance
- Rectification
- Decommissioning
An equally important element within manufacturing support offer relates to the systems, both technical and organisational. These include:
- Lean
- Just-in-Time (JIT)
- Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
- Continuous Improvement (CI)
- Kaizen
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Computer & Direct Numerical Control CNC & DNC
- Optimised Production Technology (OPT)
One of the most popular systems is that of Lean which is also the most misinterpreted.
Lean is a term to describe a system that produces what the customer wants, when they want it, with minimum waste. It is also defined as working smarter, not harder. Lean principles started in manufacturing but are now applied in all areas of business using the term Lean Enterprise.
TQM, Kaizen and CI are low to zero cost methodologies of evolutionary incremental improvement as opposed to revolutionary step change innovation which is often only affordable (in time and money) to non SME companies.
Ancillary support
Investsefton has enjoyed a long-standing working relationship with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) since 2006. Further specialist support is available from MAS through Investsefton, as appropriate for qualifying clients.
All manufacturing support is fully funded, in terms of specialist time up to 12 hours per client. The only cost is a commitment from the client to work with the manufacturing specialists to implement an agreed action/project plan to completion for the benefit of the recipient company.
The terms of Investsefton’s contract with UK Government’s DCLG department requires an initial assessment of the current business performance of client companies and final assessment to ensure enhanced performance has been realised as a result of Investsefton’s involvement.
For more information please contact:
Carl Flaherty: 0151 934 4676 E: carl.flaherty@nvestsefton.com
Colin Hickey: 0151 934 4646/2758 E: colin.hickey@investsefton.com
Jean Hartley: 0151 934 3414 E: jean.hartley@investsefton.com
Julie Swarbrick: 0151 934 3441 E: julie.swarbrick@investsefton.com