Toyota steers world-famous manufacturing know-how into UK SMEs
Toyota is taking decades of its world-famous production know-how directly into SME factories through a new collaboration with the government-backed Made Smarter programme.
Made Smarter South East has teamed up with the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC) to help manufacturers improve processes, eliminate waste and boost productivity before investing in new technology.
Together they have developed a two-day programme tailored to SMEs, combining expert-led workshops and practical exercises with hands-on support inside participating factories.
The programme has already reached 21 manufacturers through events in Buckinghamshire and Kent, with Toyota experts working directly inside selected SME factories to examine their operations and identify opportunities for improvement.
It was first piloted with 14 manufacturers at renowned furniture maker Ercol’s Princes Risborough factory. Day one combined workshops and practical exercises with a factory tour, while day two took the learning directly into selected businesses.
Following the success of the pilot, the programme was taken to Kent, where a further two-day event was delivered in partnership with Kent County Council in Sittingbourne.
Seven manufacturers took part: Bulgaro, Catchpole and Rye, Contracts Engineering, Torr Scientific, D.K. Holdings, G & J (CNC) Group and Cammegh, with businesses travelling from across Kent and East Sussex to participate.
Jez Heys, Technology Adoption Specialist, Made Smarter South East, said: “Digital transformation isn’t just about investing in new technology. Manufacturers need to understand their processes, where the waste is and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.
“That’s why lean and digital transformation work hand in hand, and why we’re delighted to be working with Toyota.
“This collaboration gives South East SMEs access to decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, helping them improve the way they work today and make smarter decisions about the technology they invest in tomorrow.”
Ian Peers, operations director at Ercol, said: “The workshop was fascinating and pitched really well for manufacturers outside the automotive sector. We’re now looking at how we can build on what we learned through further training and support to help improve productivity at our UK factory.”
Tony Huggins, head of operations of Bulgaro, based in Sittingbourne, said: “The course showed there is a real opportunity in front of us, and I’m confident we can now start our own lean journey and begin seeing the benefits across the business.”
The Toyota Production System has become one of the world’s most recognised approaches to manufacturing. The TLMC was established in the UK in 2009 to share that expertise with other organisations through training and practical support.
TLMC coach Steve Nelson said: “We are really excited to have this collaboration with Made Smarter South East. There has been so much enthusiasm and engagement from the delegates who attended the events in Buckinghamshire and Kent. Our coaches will work with local SMEs supporting the development of their businesses, but more importantly their people. Utilising the tools of the Toyota Production System alongside the cultural toolbox we call the Toyota Way, we firmly believe that these methods can be applied in any business.”
Building on the successful Buckinghamshire and Kent events, Made Smarter South East is now exploring opportunities to take the programme to manufacturers across the region.
The lean manufacturing programme is one of a range of support services available through Made Smarter South East to help SME manufacturers improve productivity and accelerate digital transformation.
Businesses that register with Made Smarter South East can access expert advice and digital roadmaps to identify their priorities, alongside leadership and skills development, internships and grant funding to support technology adoption.