D.K. Holdings and G & J (CNC) Group, both of Tonbridge, joined a Toyota-led lean manufacturing programme in Sittingbourne; grants of up to £20,000 are on offer.
Two Tonbridge manufacturers have been through a two-day course in Toyota’s way of running a factory. D.K. Holdings, which makes specialist diamond tools, and G & J (CNC) Group, which makes metal components, were among seven Kent manufacturers on the programme in Sittingbourne.
It was run by Made Smarter South East and the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC), in partnership with Kent County Council, according to a release from Made Smarter South East. The idea is that small and medium-sized manufacturers sort out their processes, cut waste and raise productivity first, and only then decide what new technology to buy.
What the two days involved
Delegates had Toyota-led workshops and practical exercises, then took the approach into the businesses taking part to see how lean manufacturing principles could work in their own operations. During the Kent programme they toured Bulgaro, a Sittingbourne manufacturer, where head of operations Tony Huggins showed them round the factory.
The release does not say what D.K. Holdings or G & J (CNC) Group changed as a result, and neither company is quoted.
Jez Heys, technology adoption specialist at Made Smarter South East, said the order of work matters:
“Digital transformation isn’t just about investing in new technology. Manufacturers need to understand their processes, where the waste is and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.
“That’s why lean and digital transformation work hand in hand, and why we’re delighted to be working with Toyota.
“This collaboration gives South East SMEs access to decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, helping them improve the way they work today and make smarter decisions about the technology they invest in tomorrow.”
Toyota’s coaches
The Toyota Production System is one of the best-known approaches to manufacturing in the world. The TLMC was set up in the UK in 2009 to share it with other organisations through training and practical support, the release says.
Steve Nelson, a TLMC coach, said: “We are really excited to have this collaboration with Made Smarter South East. There has been so much enthusiasm and engagement from the delegates who attended the events in Buckinghamshire and Kent. Our coaches will work with local SMEs supporting the development of their businesses, but more importantly their people. Utilising the tools of the Toyota Production System alongside the cultural toolbox we call the Toyota Way, we firmly believe that these methods can be applied in any business.”
It started in Buckinghamshire
Kent was the second run. The pilot was in Buckinghamshire, where 14 manufacturers took part in the first Made Smarter South East and Toyota event at furniture maker Ercol’s Princes Risborough factory. Made Smarter South East says it is now looking at taking the programme to manufacturers across the rest of the region.
What it means for you
If you run a small or medium-sized manufacturing business in or around Tonbridge, this course is one part of what Made Smarter South East offers. Firms that register can get expert advice and a digital roadmap that sets out their priorities, along with leadership and skills training, student internships and grant funding to help them adopt new technology.
According to the release, the programme has £3.1 million behind it and offers match funding of up to £20,000 a business. After a pilot year it secured more funding and will now run until 31 March 2027. The release does not give a date for another Kent course.
To register, go to the Made Smarter South East page.
Surrey County Council delivers the scheme with 11 local authorities and business bodies across the region, including Kent County Council and Medway Council. A steering group of leaders from industry, government and regional business support organisations oversees it.
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