A truly world-class implementation of lean techniques meant Newsprinters Knowsley shone in this category. The combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches resulted in a great company culture that delivered bottom-line improvements. Manufacturing manager Steve Whitehead's strong leadership was praised for getting everyone from senior management to the shopfloor engaged, and enjoy the process, as well as get real results.

Spotless machines that were "probably cleaner than when they were bought", impressed the judges and were an example of the firm's commitment to its 5S/C programme. That attention to detail has brought more than a cleaner working environment it has also delivered minimal breakdowns since the firm started to implement lean techniques in 2007.

Press crews have bought into the firms sophisticated makeready reduction system delivering impressive results. Key performance indicators are understood throughout the business and used to drive the firm's improvements.

Highly commended

Garnett Dickinson Print
Garnett Dickinson's inclusion of members of its finance team in the lean project was praised by the judges for its benefits in prioritising projects and proving the payback possible. A customer satisfaction and response system also impressed them with its ability to proactively engage with them.

The firm is also well on its way to having one of the most visually managed factories in the UK, including colour coded bays on the shopfloor for stock and work-in-progress, all backed up with a barcode system.

Finalists
Garnett Dickinson Print
Howard Hunt Group
Newsprinters Knowsley
Pindar

Supported by Vision in Print



For the full run-down of the Excellence Awards 2009 winners, click here.