Yorkshire Productivity Recognises Manufacturing Efficiency
The significant steps being taken by manufacturing companies to improve their efficiency and competitiveness have been recognised at the Yorkshire Productivity Awards 2004.
Yorkshire Productivity was formed by Virtual College to champion improving productivity within the highly competitive manufacturing sector.
The 'club' members receive cost effective, specialised training in 'lean manufacturing' techniques and share best practice through events, presentations and shop floor visits - all held at members' factories.
Created just 12 months ago, there are now 47 member companies of Yorkshire Productivity representing 12,500 employees. In one year, 6,000 courses have been delivered to over 3,000 different members of staff.
Opening the event, Yorkshire Productivity Champion, Rob George commented: "Already, companies are reporting tangible improvements in their productivity such as "a 4% year on year increase in direct efficiency, in just 12 months we have made tremendous strides."
The Yorkshire Productivity Awards 2004 ceremony took place at the Metropole Hotel, Leeds on 30th March 2004.
Presenting the awards, Susan Johnson, Yorkshire Forward's Executive Director Business Development, reinforced the need for a continuing focus on manufacturing competitiveness.
"Manufacturing industry is facing a huge challenge to increase its competitive position against emerging economies, particularly China and Eastern Europe," said Susan. "It is vital that our manufacturers have practical and specialist hands-on support, with the right infrastructure, to help them drive up productivity in their businesses."
Judged by an independent panel, the winners in each of the eight categories were:
- Staff Development, Large Companye - Hydro Aluminium
- Lean Adoption, SME - Calrec Audio
- Lean Adoption, Large Company - Kostal
- Individual Award, SME - Martin Braun, Premier Hazard
- Individual Award, Large Company - Jayne Scaife, Kostal
- Best Payback, SME - Innovative Technology
- Best Payback, Large Company - Treves
Each of the winners received a Pocket PC loaded with Virtual College's e-learning manufacturing training material and an attractive 'Rock Tablet' trophy.
Visit:www.yptraining.co.uk/
Email:info@virtual-college.co.uk
Tel: 01943 605976
