Lean manufacturing and an empowered workforce helped propel a Parker Hannifin facility to the top spot in the 2011 Best Factory Awards, a program that recognizes top manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom.
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing's Domnick Hunter Filtration plant in Birtley, Durham, makes filtration solutions to help prevent the spread of infections in hospitals and remove bacteria and yeast from wine. It has transformed from an operation with long production runs and high inventory to a lean operation, according to Cranfield University's School of Management, which runs the awards program in partnership with Works Management magazine.
Parker Hannifin's global headquarters are in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Birtley facility "has grown its sales by more than five times its target and productivity has increased by over 11%," says Marek Szwejczewski, director of the award.
The Parker Hannifin plant also was named the best facility in the household and general products category.
Additional winning facilities include:
Best Process Plant: Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, Broadstairs, Kent
Best Engineering Plant: Camfil Farr, Haslingden, Lancashire
Best Electronics and Electrical Plant Award: Carl Zeiss NTS, Cambridge
Best SME Award: Aimia Foods, Haydock, St Helens
People Management Award: Carl Zeiss NTS, Cambridge
Skills Development Award: Aimia Foods, Haydock, St Helens
Supply Chain Award: Carefusion, Basingstoke
A complete list of winning UK facilities is located here.
