Press Release

Go Lean with Oxford Instruments

2nd January 2006

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East has teamed up with Manufacturing Insights and launched a programme of Best Practice company visits across the region to gain valuable insights into how other manufacturers have become successful.

On 24 January there is an exciting opportunity to visit Oxford Instruments in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Oxford Instruments specialises in the design, manufacture and support of high-technology tools and systems for industry, research, education, space, energy, defence and healthcare.

Oxford Instruments has worked closely with MAS South East in implementing lean manufacturing throughout their workshop operations. The identification of modular sub-assemblies and the implementation of pull methodology and visual management have supported a significant improvement in on-time delivery of customer orders.

Adoption of 5S, including developments in Standard Operating Practices, has improved the shop-floor environment whilst also supporting and increasing the drive against waste. Challenges have included cultural resistance to change and a high demand for increasing variety with shorter lead-times from the market.

Progress has been made by Oxford Instruments to develop a global supply chain based on business-wide commodity strategies operating through a variety of ordering mechanisms. In-house material management has moved from a kitting approach to line-side stocking and works order management is supported by RF-linked barcode handsets, enabling live updates to the ERP system.

Oxford Instruments will cover the following topics:

Lean Manufacturing
Supply Chain Management

To book a visit to Oxford Instruments please telephone 023 9246 8978