Storage Equipment Makes Workshop Work

Pump manufacturer Alfa Laval Ltd, is reaping the benefits of a new storage infrastructure in its' Eastbourne factory.

The installation, provided by System Store Solutions, has empowered employees by enabling each work area to be more self-sufficient.

The self-contained units created in the factory's Supply Unit (SU) Assembly Shop has assisted in giving shop floor employees access to some of the tools to facilitate direct involvement in capacity planning, tooling inventory control, stock management, logistics and maintenance.

In just twelve months, the physical layout of the SU has transformed, along with the work routine, which delegates more responsibility downwards.

"We want standard components stored in each area so that the Fitters become self-reliant in selecting the them for the various build processes, eliminating many kitting issues." explains SU manufacturing manager, Bill Reed.

Prior to the installation, space was always a problem in the SU.

A lack of storage left bench tops cluttered with tools and parts.

To create more space, Blue Fami benches, part of the Fami range for which System Store Solutions is the exclusive distributor in the UK, replaced the original wooden ones; with storage incorporated into each unit.

"This has made each unit self-sufficient, giving us greater control to manage our own work," commented SU employee, Phil Russell.

The SU is better organised with component parts stored in colour-coded containers, making them more accessible and easier to locate.

The additional space created by the new storage has improved the manufacturing flow, since products can now be moved more quickly to the paint shop before being transferred to the wet end build and on to the test area.

"This is a great example of the difference good storage can make to an organisation.

The installation has created a better working environment for employees and a more efficient production process by maximising the existing space," says System Store Solutions director, Anette Price.

Alfa Laval Eastbourne has enjoyed a close working relationship for over twenty years with System Store Solutions, which is evident as some of the original FAMI storage cabinets, dating back twenty years, are still fully functional and in use in the Component Unit (CU) Machine Shop.

Over the past two and a half years however, new storage units have gradually been installed in the CU, a project that is now 95% complete.

The customised installation features cabinet drawers fitted with foam cut to fit the shape of individual tools.

This guarantees that tools are stored correctly as they cannot be physically placed anywhere else, creating "a place for everything and everything in its place", says Reed.

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