Berthon Boat Company and Hillier Nurseries have both had a longstanding relationship with Hampshire-based Lean business specialists, Fedden USP, which celebrates seven years in business this month. Both companies have just announced the significant benefits they are now enjoying as a result of their Lean consultancy and training with Fedden.
Principal Lean specialist Neil Fedden has worked with Lymington-based Berthon since early 2010, helping it to challenge existing inefficient working practices that had become engrained within the organisation. He ran a series of workshops in all aspects of the business and helped to implement process improvements that have led to financial savings of £205,000 per annum. Additionally, productivity improvements have led to more productive time, effectively increasing capacity in an industry with a severe shortage of skills.
Dominic May, director of Berthon, commented: "Neil encouraged a hands-on solution with employees of all levels, not just senior management, and the whole process has taken our business through four years of growth, where Berthon has increased its turnover by 75% without any price rises to our customers.”
Romsey-based Hilliers is similarly delighted with the results from its training from Fedden USP, reporting:
• Improved order picking rates, resulting in reduced labour costs and improved working hours for employees.
• Market share increases due to improved quality and customer service levels.
• An increase in dispatch processing rates from 1,000 to 1,200 per hour per line.
• Efficiencies in mobile potting resulting in 25% less down time and increased output.
Kevin Hobbs, wholesale nursery director, commented: “The majority of action resulting from the work with Fedden USP has required little or no additional investment, providing a return unmatched by other training providers we have worked with. We have and will continue to recommend Fedden USP to businesses both within and outside the horticultural industry.”
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