Workshops help Mackay manufacturers become lean machines

Mackay manufacturers wanting to boost the performance and competitiveness of their firm will get a helping hand through a series of free workshops starting tomorrow.

Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said competition in today’s business world made it essential for organisations to not only continually review their operations, but seek ways to improve them.

“Taking advantage of the State Government’s High Performance Workplace workshop series is a step in the right direction for smart Mackay business minds,” she said.

Ms Boyle said the workshop series, which incorporated business planning with efficient manufacturing practices and workforce development, would help firms become more innovative and sustainable.

“At the end of it, people can review their own operations and make changes that could have an immediate effect on their business’ success,” she said.

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the workshops were tailored for project and senior managers through to directors and CEOs, but that anyone wishing to improve organisational performance would benefit from going along.

He said the series consisted of five two-hour workshops held once a week.

The topics covered are:

• Introduction to Lean Manufacturing (30 September)
• Visual Workplace Management (7 October)
• 5S Process in Lean Manufacturing (14 October)
• Value Stream Mapping (21 October)
• Benefits to Holistic Approach to High Performance Workplace (28 October)

“‘Lean’ refers to activities businesses undertake to reduce waste and deliver better value to customers,” Mr Mulherin said.

“A lean business uses the minimum amount of manpower, materials, money and machines to get the job done efficiently.

"It’s not just the factory floor where waste reduction practices are often needed though. Inefficient activities can be eliminated in all areas of an organisation, leading to increased productivity, staff involvement and customer satisfaction.”

Director of the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry’s Mackay Centre Frank Mason said if a business was just getting off the ground, or wanted to get ahead, the first workshop would really help develop skill and knowledge base.

“The next one, Visual Workplace Management, provides an introduction to mini business records, shows how a world-class organisation is structured and also explains how shop floor staff can help achieve key business outcomes,” Mr Mason said.

“In the third workshop, 5S process in Lean Manufacturing, participants will be shown the principles of 5S organisation and management – sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain.”

The fourth workshop is about value stream mapping which helps to identify blockages that hinder performance, while the final session covers skills, technological change and labour productivity, as well as linking workforce development to lean manufacturing.

All workshops are free. They’re held at : Central Qld Institute of TAFE, Theatrette K1.30, Mackay Campus, Sydney Street, Mackay. For more information contact Julie Lockyer on 3224 6985 or julie.lockyer@qld.gov.au

29 September 2008

Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005