Case Histories
Lost Wax Find MAS-WM
A Stourport-on-Severn based manufacturer has
significantly improved its processes thanks to support provided
by the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands.
Lost Wax Development Ltd required a complete overhaul of their fettling workshop, an area that is critical to the business, as without it the company would be unable to sell their product.
MAS-WM sent in Specialist Manufacturing Advisor Tony Greenway who in tandem with associates from the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) re-organised the layout and improved the methods in the workshop. He was also able to refer them to the MAS Lift Off programme who funded the design of some special purpose handling equipment to improve productivity.
The intervention resulted in an immediate 70% reduction in non-value added operations, an increase in throughput and an increased turnover. Sales Manager Ian Benjamin enthused: “The difference is unbelievable. We've really moved forward, health and safety has improved immeasurably and it's a much better environment to bring clients into.
“We have now invested further in machinery and process controls and are looking at automation. MAS-WM proved to be the stimulus that has helped us to maintain our edge, especially against companies in the Far East , in a very competitive market.”
As a further result Lost Wax were able to improve management processes, secure jobs, reduce set-up times and increase process innovation.