Barnsley-based swarf conveyor manufacturer LNS Turbo, has benefited from part-funded training through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Skills Bank as it continues on a programme of expansion, which has seen it achieve 25% growth in 2022.
LNS Turbo, which is part of LNS Europe, with companies in Switzerland, Italy, Japan and China, invested in 15 employees undertaking Lean Tools & Techniques training with Brook Corporate Developments, through Skills Bank. The training focused on Lean Management and 5S techniques – a five step methodology for creating a more organized and productive workspace (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain).
The training was undertaken by members of LNS Turbo’s manufacturing team, including operators and supervisors, as part of working towards improving manufacturing processes and increase efficiency. The training enabled production staff to understand how to investigate a problem and offer solutions, which has led to improved efficiencies across the business and has reduced the risks of any problems reoccurring. The Lean Tools & Techniques training has also helped the manufacturing team to improve the working environment at LNS Turbo, which has positively impacted productivity.
Mark Scanlan, Operations Manager for LNS Turbo, said: “The Skills Bank training has made a huge difference to our manufacturing team. It allowed them to take a step back and identify where problems were occurring and to look at how to overcome them. As a business, we have benefitted enormously from the Skills Bank training through process improvements which increase productivity, enhance quality and drive down rejects.
“The Lean Tools & Techniques training has provided opportunities for employees to develop and understand how they can impact their working environment, including practices and processes, as part of keeping one step ahead of our competitors.”
The Skills Bank training has become vey important in the new controlled parts manufacturing area where LNS Turbo has recently invested £850k in plant and equipment. Here, Lean thinking and 5S is integral to how the area operates and thanks to the Lean Tools & Techniques training, the team has been able to optimise control of the whole area and to maximise the production of parts through the manufacturing process.
Mr Scanlan added: “We believe in investing in training as part of our employee development programme and our management team and supervisors have also recently completed an Accelerated Leadership Programme. Investing in upskilling people helps to retain staff within our business in what is a difficult labour market.”
