Arkote Case study - New thinking for new factory improves performance.

Eight months ago we began the process of building a new factory to cope with expansion and it seemed like an appropriate time to stand back and have a look at our systems and see if we could do things better….

We would have simply moved all our existing equipment out of the old unit and into the new so, through MAS, we sought some new thinking rather than getting entrenched with our ideas.

We met David Brannock and basically said: ‘This is what we have now, this is what think we want to do – could you help us go through the processes and help us put a plan together please?’

And he did! Production processes, efficient factory layout and an innate knowledge of machinery are meat and drink to David. He was able to guide us to possible suppliers for any new equipment – particularly in the areas of extraction and rack storage for example.

We went through a process of showing David what we thought we wanted, and he prepared a suggested alternative layout, at which point he acted as a facilitator to gain agreement from all relevant parties.

We threw out some of the old stuff, reconditioned some and bought new where necessary. Everything made sense, largely because David is a good listener. We never had a confidence issue because he demonstrated by word and deed he’d done it all before!

We now have an efficient, workable layout saving us time, energy costs and money."

Peter Skinner
Arkote
Manufacturers of high quality knives for use in the tobacco industry