Buckinghamshire manufacturers have been given access to decades of Toyota’s world-famous production expertise through a new collaboration between Made Smarter South East and the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC), with Buckinghamshire Business First working with Made Smarter to recruit and engage local businesses to take part.

Fourteen manufacturers joined the first two-day programme at renowned furniture maker Ercol’s Princes Risborough factory, combining expert-led workshops and practical exercises with hands-on support from TLMC.

The programme, developed by Made Smarter South East and TLMC, is designed to help SME manufacturers improve processes, eliminate waste and boost productivity before investing in new technology.

The programme is a great example of how connecting local businesses with national expertise and practical business support can help manufacturers become more productive, competitive and confident about investing in new technology.

Day one saw manufacturers learn about Toyota’s approach to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, put the principles into practice through hands-on exercises and see them applied during a tour of Ercol’s factory.

Toyota experts also took the learning directly into four Buckinghamshire manufacturers: Aylesbury-based CTE Advanced Technologies, Gibbs Gears in Stoke Mandeville, Chesham-based 3 Way Displays and High Wycombe’s Hansford Sensors, working with them to examine their operations and identify opportunities for improvement.

Jane Dell, Business Growth Manager at Buckinghamshire Business First said:

“Buckinghamshire has a fantastic community of manufacturers, and our role is to make sure those businesses can access the expertise, support and opportunities that will help them grow. What makes this particularly valuable is that it starts with the business and its processes, helping manufacturers identify where they can make practical improvements now and where technology could make the biggest difference in the future.”

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.”

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. 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.”

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.

Want to discover how your manufacturing business could improve processes and boost productivity? Join us at our upcoming Made Smarter Event and Brewery Tour to find out more.

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.

Buckinghamshire manufacturers interested in finding out more about Made Smarter support can register with Made Smarter South East.

Alternatively, you can book a chat with the Buckinghamshire Business First adviser team to discuss the support that’s right for your business.