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Numatics International, Chard - Kanban Article
The article entitled: "Numatics International, Chard" is in the Kanban Articles section of Operations Management Papers area...
ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: Firstly, apologies for the delay in putting fingers to keys on this particular report. The 28th November seems a very long time ago now, but the memories of our visit to Numatic International in Somerset remain fresh
MORE INFO: Numatics International, Chard Firstly, apologies for the delay in putting fingers to keys on this particular report. The 28th November seems a very long time ago now, but the memories of our visit to Numatic International in Somerset remain fresh For those of you who don't know, Numatic manufacture Commercial and Industrial cleaning equipment: dry and wet vacuums, floor polishers, scrubbers and dryers. Probably the most well known is the little red ‘Henry' vacuum, you've probably seen him in many high street outlets if indeed you don't already possess one yourself. During the visit, the party was introduced to other members of Henry's family; George, Charles, Basil: - a vacuum for all occasions it seems. It is at this point that the scale of customisation that Numatic deal with becomes apparent: colour, motor size, hose diameter, logo's and accessories are all variables as well the multi-voltage options that are demanded from an international product. Approximately 40% of product manufactured in Chard are exported. The products themselves, such as Henry can be found in the home, others in more specialist environments such as hospitals where hygiene is so important and in the workplace, for such things as the collection of hazardous substances, anything from broken glass to chemical spillage. The manufacturing process that includes rotational and injection moulding as well as painting and assembly is supported by both push and pull replenishment systems that enable a lead time of between 2 and 3 weeks to be consistently achieved. The manufacturing plan, supported by an Oracle system makes to stock against a medium term forecast (up to 60days) and utilises MRP and Kanbans to support the build of low runners. In terms of competitive advantage, Numatic prides itself on its innovative design and development processes. On-site autocad - 3D modelling, as well as providing an absorbing diversion to visitors such as ourselves, gives Numatic the ability of producing functional development samples in a fraction of the normal lead time thus enabling improved product to market lead-times. The workforce numbering around 500 are clearly proud of their product and well motivated, working in a truly single status environment where overtime premiums, grades or shift allowances exist. The visit proved valuable to all of those attending, approximately 20 in all, covering many areas of operations management. If you, or someone known to you is prepared to host a visit for the Branch please do not hesitate to contact me directly. (Nick Rose 01242 264464). Such visits, form the backbone of Branch activity and are much more than just a day out.
PUBLISHER: Institute of Operations Management
Page number: 7 Word count: 430
Vol 28 - No 02 - March 2002
The article can be downloaded in full from the publisher's site i.e. the Institute of Operations Management.
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