Six Sigma in injection moulding
7 November 2022
5S implementation at Tex Plastics Derby facility has seen a transformation in the production environment.
Eradication of waste and optimisation of the workplace
The 5S System reduces waste and optimises productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results. A key focus is the 5 pillars of a visual workplace. It’s based upon the principle ‘Master your work environment and productivity will increase.’ Applying 5S has enabled faster set up times, reduced operating costs, a visually attractive workspace and higher employee morale. This makes us more competitive and enables us to provide customers with a better service from design for manufacture to finishing and assembly.
The 5S business improvement programme
The training is just one element of a much wider business improvement programme, including environmental awareness and employee wellbeing. The 5S element was focused upon taking our people through the 5S methodology and we then provided a practical area within the production environment to apply the new found skills. The team generated a number of improvements which have been implemented and have already seen a benefit in terms of housekeeping and efficiency.
The 5 pillars of a visual workplace
The 5S System reduces waste and optimises productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results. The term 5S refers to five steps:
Sort – All unneeded tools, parts and supplies are removed from the area
Set in order – A place for everything and everything in its place
Shine – The area is cleaned as the work is performed
Standardise – Cleaning and identification methods are consistently applied
Sustain – 5S is a habit and is continually improving the company culture
The 5S System at Tex Plastics is implemented in small teams, working together to get materials closer to operations, right at workers fingertips and organised and labelled to facilitate operations with the smallest amount of wasted time and materials.