Machinery suppliers unite to promote lean manufacturing

Bosch Rexroth and a group of processing machinery companies launched the Lean Factory Group at the start of the month.

The company’s Cirencester facility is currently playing host to a lean set-up that is demonstrating techniques such as Kanban project management, Enterprise Resource Planning and Heijunka production levelling.

The setting up of the group has been inspired by similar schemes around Europe in countries including Germany and Switzerland.

Bosch Rexroth managing Paul Cook said that it had been 18 months in planning.

Speaking at the group’s launch earlier this month, he said: “As we speak today we are aware of the challenging times in the manufacturing market. So the challenge is how to position companies for future success without increasing on-costs.”

The group is hosting half-day seminars at the facility to educate current and potential clients on the benefits of lean manufacturing both for cost and quality.

The seven companies in the group are:

• iCart, a maker of automated materials delivery systems
• Bosch Power Tools
• Bosch Rexroth, which makes workstations and material transfer and supply structures
• K Hartwall, which makes dollies and pallet units
• Leonardo Group, a German consultant on lean manufacturing
• Sick, the factory automation and sensor company
• SSI Schaefer, which makes storage and container systems for industry

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