Seven manufacturers join Made Smarter South East programme bringing global expertise directly to local factory floors

Kent manufacturers have been given access to decades of Toyota’s world-famous know-how through a new collaboration with Made Smarter South East.

Seven manufacturers took part in a two-day programme in Sittingbourne, delivered by Made Smarter South East and the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC) in partnership with Kent County Council.

The programme is designed to help SME manufacturers improve processes, eliminate waste and boost productivity before investing in new technology.

Businesses taking part included Sittingbourne manufacturers Bulgaro and Contracts Engineering, Ashford-based Catchpole & Rye and Cammegh, D.K. Holdings and G & J (CNC) Group in Tonbridge, and Torr Scientific from St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex.

The programme combined Toyota-led workshops and practical exercises with hands-on learning, before taking the approach directly into participating businesses to explore how lean manufacturing principles could be applied within their own operations.

Tony Huggins, Head of Operations at Bulgaro, a manufacturer of interior products, said: “The course showed there is a real opportunity in front of us, and I’m confident we can now start our own lean journey and begin seeing the benefits across the business.”

Jez Heys, Technology Adoption Specialist, Made Smarter South East, said: “Digital transformation isn’t just about investing in new technology. Manufacturers need to understand their processes, where the waste is and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.

“That’s why lean and digital transformation work hand in hand, and why we’re delighted to be working with Toyota.

“This collaboration gives South East SMEs access to decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, helping them improve the way they work today and make smarter decisions about the technology they invest in tomorrow.”

The Kent programme followed a successful pilot in Buckinghamshire, where 14 manufacturers took part in the first Made Smarter South East and Toyota event at furniture maker Ercol’s Princes Risborough factory.

The Toyota Production System has become one of the world's most recognised approaches to manufacturing. The TLMC was established in the UK in 2009 to share that expertise with other organisations through training and practical support.

TLMC coach Steve Nelson said: “We are really excited to have this collaboration with Made Smarter South East. There has been so much enthusiasm and engagement from the delegates who attended the events in Buckinghamshire and Kent. Our coaches will work with local SMEs supporting the development of their businesses, but more importantly their people. Utilising the tools of the Toyota Production System alongside the cultural toolbox we call the Toyota Way, we firmly believe that these methods can be applied in any business.”

Building on the successful Buckinghamshire and Kent events, Made Smarter South East is now exploring opportunities to take the programme to manufacturers across the region.

The lean manufacturing programme is one of a range of support services available through Made Smarter South East to help SME manufacturers improve productivity and accelerate digital transformation.

Businesses that register with Made Smarter South East can access expert advice and digital roadmaps to identify their priorities, alongside leadership and skills development, internships and grant funding to support technology adoption.

To register with Made Smarter South East and find out how the programme can support your manufacturing business, visit madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east

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