Competitive manufacturing hits a high

More than 1200 employees in 19 printing companies across Australia are currently undergoing training as part of Printing Industries’ push to improve industry competitiveness.

The companies have signed on for the competitive (Lean) manufacturing program which Printing Industries has branded LEAN & Green.
Participating companies have the option of combining the best of both worlds with competitive manufacturing focussing on production and operating efficiencies and Sustainable Green Print (SGP) the elements of environmental waste management to certification Level 2.

“Companies are guided to develop and implement a continuous improvement program into their operations and introduce business performance improvement skills, by focusing on the reduction of waste and the enhancement of quality, productivity and customer service,”said Printing Industries national manager, learning and development, Ian Walz.

According to Walz, the lean manufacturing concept has strong links into the earlier quality movement with a particular focus on reducing the waste associated with the downtime around a job.

“For example, although a job may take several days to be completed, it may only be worked on for 5-6 hours. The rest of the time it is waiting for machine space and being moved in and out of storage and such,” he said.

Some of the early achievers, including the Lindsay Yates Group, had seen some remarkable improvements in efficiency, and wastage.

“This is why we now have 19 companies currently undertaking this program with more than 1200 staff involved and another eight companies with more than 600 staff giving it serious consideration.”

A cross section of company sizes including many well known names and along with lesser-known businesses are already involved. These include Ligare Pty Ltd (NSW), Planet Press Pty Ltd (NSW), Rawson Graphics Pty Ltd (NSW), Globus Group Pty Ltd (NSW), Labelcraft Pty Ltd NSW), Mystique Print Pty Ltd (Vic), Supreme Printers (WA), Crystal Printing Solutions Pty Ltd (WA), QDI Direct Press (WA), Macquarie Lighthouse Press (NSW), Look Print (NSW), Cactus Imaging (NSW), GEON Group (NSW & WA), Picton Press (WA), Lamb Print (WA), Lithocraft (VIC), Bambra Press (VIC) and Labelhouse (Vic).

All inquiries about LEAN & Green can be made to Walz on 8789 7362 or via e-mail: ian@printnet.com.au website: www.leanandgreen.com.au