95 per cent of participants satisfied with Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program: NSW government

Fifty-nine regional NSW manufacturing SMEs have participated in the state government’s Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, an $800,000 initiative launched in March.

According to a statement on Thursday, the companies involved were able to “save time, cut costs and improve profits” through the program, which offered “tailored on-site audits” to “identify practical ways to implement lean manufacturing principles and improve their operations.”

It described lean manufacturing as “an internationally recognised business management process that focuses on continuous improvement, reducing waste and achieving better results through process efficiencies.”

Two of the program’s participants were Gunnedah’s Many Fabrication and Engineering and the Northern Rivers’ Ant Packaging.

Many Fabrication’s audit led it to better use data to make targeted improvements and lift competitiveness. Ant Packaging’s audit used process mapping to identify areas for improvement, after which clearer visual controls were adopted, with the company now in a position to save 1,620 hours and $56,000 a year through reducing errors.

According to the release from regional NSW minister Tara Moriarty, 95 per cent of the 59 participating companies reported satisfaction with the audit process and found the recommendations relevant to their business needs.

“The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program has shown what’s possible when we give regional manufacturers the tools and support to improve how they operate,” said Moriarty.

“Programs like this are about more than saving time and cutting costs, they’re about strengthening the capability of regional businesses and ensuring they’re better positioned to meet future challenges.”

The program was administered by the NSW department of primary industries and regional development. 

After announcing the opening of applications on March 20, those interested were given under two weeks to apply, with a close date of March 31.

Picture: credit Flavourtech

Further reading

Applications open for regional NSW lean manufacturing pilot program