Scotland’s manufacturers achieve over £8.5 million in efficiency gains

This represents an 85 per cent increase in efficiency gains compared to the same period last year, thanks to increased SMAS business support levels introduced in 2007.

News of the efficiency gains comes in the week following new statistics from Scotland’s Chief Statistician that show Scotland’s manufacturing output abroad has continued to show a steady performance for the second quarter of 2008.

Between April and September this year, the Scottish Manufacturing Service has delivered 106 one-day Manufacturing Reviews. A Manufacturing Review is a free service which any Scottish manufacturing business can request and seeks to identify areas where business improvements and efficiency gains could be made.

Find out more about the free Manufacturing Review

Scottish manufacturers helped by SMAS operate in many different industries including energy, engineering, electronics, food and drink and construction.

Axis Shield, an innovative healthcare diagnostic company based in Dundee, has had help from SMAS to implement Lean Thinking practices. Colin King, Operations Director for Axis Shield says, “This project was strategically important for Axis-Shield’s Dundee site as it was the start of a planned introduction of lean thinking throughout the site. The success of this project would directly impact the success of future lean projects, which we believe are key to providing long term sustainability in an ever increasing cost conscious market.

“I am pleased to report that with the support of SMAS the team have delivered some excellent financial savings but more importantly contributed in creating the catalyst for a culture change within the organisation with lean thinking at heart of this.”

SMAS offers support for improvement projects to Scottish manufacturing companies, including backing for collaborative projects between companies and raising awareness of best practice in manufacturing through training and seminar activities.

Steve Graham, director, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, comments, “SMAS was designed to help Scottish manufacturers improve their productivity and global competitiveness. The benefits realised by the companies we’ve helped are tangible, bottom line improvements. In the current challenging climate, there has never been a better time to contact SMAS for a free Manufacturing Review.”