Lean Success For Shannon Companies

Business & Finance - Industry

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 09:19

Written by Noel Cotter

Two Shannon companies, Zimmer and Bolgers, are using Lean processes across their organisations as the formula for sustainable growth and success.

To encourage more businesses to do likewise, Shannon Chamber has teamed up with Enterprise Ireland to deliver a half-day workshop on ‘Lean in Business’, which will take place on Monday, 8 November from 8.30am until 12 noon at Zimmer’s premises at Shannon Free Zone East.

Launching the event, Shannon Chamber’s president Damian Gleeson said: “This is the first Chamber event, focused on a distinct business area, that has been held in a company’s premises. Zimmer’s willingness to open its doors and share its experiences with other like-minded businesses demonstrates a keen interest in increasing the robustness of Shannon region-based companies.

“Zimmer’s adoption of Lean has been driven from within. This required a concerted effort across the entire organisation. Bolgers’ achievements show that the principles are as applicable to the indigenous sector as they are to multinational organisations. That’s why Enterprise Ireland is encouraging its clients to develop and embed Lean business principles in their organisations. Typical improvements in lead times, unit costs and profitability in the order of 15-20% have been achieved to date by companies that have adopted Lean.”

As Zimmer’s managing director Adrian Furey explains: “Lean manufacturing is focused on adding value and creating flow. It’s widely used across many organisations today as the formula for sustainable growth and success. We have tried to ensure that lean concepts are part of what we do each day to help ensure our competitiveness, develop our talent and create a sustainable operation for the future. Used across the supply chain, Lean can help improve customer responsiveness while reducing inventory, thereby creating cash flow. There are numerous other benefits in the areas of quality and health and safety.

Keynote speakers at the workshop include: Adrian Furey, general manager, Zimmer; Ian Bolger, joint managing director, Bolgers; and Declan Lyons, Enterprise Ireland. Tours of the Zimmer facility will also be incorporated into Zimmer’s presentation.

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Early booking is advisable as space is limited to the first 50 applicants. To reserve your place, contact Aine Sheehan at Shannon Chamber: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: 061 708341.