Kaizen is the Way Forward for Orama - Orama Applies Lean Thinking Principles Across its Operations

Released on = May 23, 2005, 8:23 am

Press Release Author = Orama

Industry =

Press Release Summary = As part of its new company strategy, Orama, the leading independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, is adopting the Japanese Kaizen manufacturing model to achieve optimum efficiencies and to enable continuous improvements at all levels.

Press Release Body = As part of its new company strategy, Orama, the leading independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, is adopting the Japanese Kaizen manufacturing model to achieve optimum efficiencies and to enable continuous improvements at all levels. The most immediate manifestation of this ambitious programme is the NVQ Level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques that all employees will undertake, from senior management to workers on the shop floor. Senior managers and directors will also attend four workshops on ‘Managing the Change to Lean Manufacturing’. This eastern approach to incentivising everyone across the business and boosting productivity is a first in the KBB industry and
will significantly contribute to the company rationalising its entire operation.

Kaizen works on the principle of continuous improvement to all areas of company processes. One of the core modules of the NVQ course will encourage employees to embrace ‘Lean Manufacturing’, which encourages everyone to take a closer look at
internal and external processes to find ways of reducing wastage. This will ultimately help Orama to streamline operations, to produce higher quality goods and to achieve faster delivery times and lower prices – savings that will benefit the customer.

Commenting on this new initiative, Peter Holt, sales and marketing director, Orama, says: “As a forward thinking company, we want to break down barriers and continuously challenge the environment that we work in. Lean thinking covers all areas of the production process, offering endless possibilities. And what’s more, there are no losers! By investing in training, our employees will be more motivated
and happier in their roles, whilst gaining a thorough understanding of our company strategy. And Orama will be able to rely on a well trained and dedicated workforce. Our customers will enjoy better quality, more cost-effective goods and a faster, more reliable service.”

Orama’s NVQ scheme will be supported by a DTI centre of expertise in manufacturing and by the People’s College, Nottingham. Following completion of the course, employees will undergo stream mapping exercises in order to identify areas of priority within the company. Teams will be set up to implement improvements within these areas, supported by a steering committee. Peter concludes:” We are all very
excited by this new scheme. Our ultimate goal is to transform Orama into a 21st century value-creating manufacturing company that will benefit all our
stakeholders.”

Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry
Research Association Gold Award for product performance. They are also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products are sourced from ‘responsibly managed’ forests.

For more information about Orama worksurfaces, please contact Orama directly on: 01773 520560 or visit the website on www.orama.co.uk Please send all leads from this editorial FAO: Peter Holt on pholt@orama.co.uk

Web Site = http://www.orama.co.uk

Contact Details = Azalea Close,
Clover Nook Industrial Estate,
Somercotes, Derbyshire DE55 4QX