Streamlining operations, reducing costs, improving quality and increasing efficiency is a priority for every manufacturing business. With the day-to-day workload making changes can seem like a distant dream. Don Whitley Scientific is a shining example of making lean look easy. Since partnering with the Hoffmann group, for the past 8 years DWS has taken efficiency to the next level by optimising their working environment with Hoffmann’s workstations, storage and tooling.
As a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist equipment to the microbiology and tissue culture industries, DWS understands the importance of a lean working environment. Back in 2016, before discovering Hoffmann Group at the MACH show, their goal was to increase the throughput of products and improve the layout of their production department.
With the help of Hoffmann introducing the 5s methodology, tool carts with bespoke foam inlays were designed and workstations customised for the operator’s needs. This has increased their productivity by approximately 20%. Fergus Murray, Product Engineering Director at DWS, said: “We continue to work with Hoffmann Group because of the quality of their products and service they provide.”
What makes Hoffmann’s service stand out is their specialist approach to procurement for industry. The manufacturer and supplier of industrial products has over 1400 experts around globe, specialising in everything from PPE and cutting tools to measuring equipment, workstations and storage. Supporting UK manufacturing by simplifying procurement is Hoffmann Group’s goal – whilst they manufacture in Germany, they have a UK headquarters in Birmingham.
Due to the modular design of Hoffmann’s workstations and the high quality of their hand tools (by Garant) Don Whitley Scientific also noticed a cost saving on the number of hand tools purchased at one time. This is due to the durability of the tools themselves, and the foam inlay design that allows operators to easily notice what tools are missing. On top of that, as the company are producing high quality equipment mainly for clinical applications, Fergus mentioned that Hoffmann’s adaptable and sleek work benches “reflect the products, which is a visual bonus for the production department and perfect for when visitors stop by.
Whilst the latest product from Hoffmann have contributed to Don Whitley’s lean approach, their increase in productivity and organisation has also been a result of implementing monthly tool checks. Since standardising their tool cabinets, with the help of Hoffmann specialists, every operator is responsible for the own equipment – introducing accountability for tools. Fergus said: “As a result of issuing individual kits, team morale immediately went up because people had ownership.”
Improving their work environment over the past 8 years with Hoffmann has not been limited to their workstations and storage requirements either. With help of Paul Walker, Application Technician for Hoffmann, the company has also made some significant savings on their machining. After investing in Garant cutting tools, the company have decreased their machining cycle time from 7 minutes to 11 seconds. Fergus added: “Getting the right cutting tools in place has been a massive benefit to us, it has ensured we are getting the right performance from our machines. Hoffmann Group have supported us in improving every department in the business.”
Don Whitley continues to refine their work environment to optimise efficiency with the support of Hoffmann’s products and technical specialists. Their work departments are a prime example of how good organisation and accountability can increase productivity and build team morale. Their investments into prioritising how their workshops function and look confirm to visitors that they are dedicated, leading professionals in their field.
Find out more at https://www.hoffmann-group.com/