CERAM Streamlines Moorcroft's Production Processes

The key to a company's continued success is its acknowledgement that there is always room for improvement and if a company wants to remain competitive in the ever changing global marketplace, it has to be prepared to reassess its position on a regular basis.

CERAM offers a unique service to companies who want to examine their manufacturing facilities and look at ways to improve and streamline their production processes.

This was the case with W Moorcroft PLC. This Stoke based company manufactures high quality bespoke art pottery, and is enjoying successful sustained growth, now employing 120 people. Moorcroft was keen to investigate continuous improvement opportunities in the light of an increasing order book and the subsequent pressure on delivery lead times, to ensure ongoing high levels of customer service.

CERAM conducted a full review of Moorcroft's manufacturing sites in Burslem (also in Stoke-on-Trent) and, as well as identifying key areas of efficiency at Moorcroft, for example the operation of a successful supply chain and manufacturing operation, CERAM also identified a number of areas where enhancements could be made, particularly in the utilisation of space, production processes and production scheduling.

CERAM was also able to examine Moorcroft's optimum process layout and space utilisation thanks to grants from Manufacturing Challenge 3, and Manufacturing Advisory Services West Midlands (MAS-WM).

Specialist manufacturing advisers MAS-WM initially pointed Moorcroft in the direction of CERAM. MAS-WM is dedicated to helping manufacturers in the West Midlands improve any aspect of their manufacturing operations, processes, production or materials technologies and CERAM works closely with MAS-WM as an associate provider using its expertise to help deliver this service.