Leading global packaging manufacturer Coveris has revealed new investment plans for its UK based labels division as part of a pioneering lean operations strategy that is set to achieve worldclass manufacturer status over the next three years.
Manufacturing over 14 billion labels a year across six sites within the UK, Coveris’ label division is responsible for providing award winning products to the FMCG grocery sector. With an ambitious growth strategy in place, Coveris has unveiled new plans to upgrade its entire labels print and finishing capabilities as part of its Coveris Performance System (CPS) supplychain strategy.
Following the announcement of its £3M board investment in January, Coveris’ paper division now plans to invest an additional £2M over three years, upgrading its existing machine infrastructure to enable increased capacity, quality and consistency for its customers. Applying a model of total productive maintenance (TPM), the new approach is part of the manufacturer’s wider performance system for continuous improvement.
Having launched CPS across the global group in 2015, Coveris’ UK division has pioneered its lean strategy across local sites to develop a customer-centric excellence programme focused on the continuous improvement of service, quality and waste reduction. Applying a Kaizen approach enabling empowerment and involvement of Coveris colleagues, its CPS model has enabled the labels leader to drive a cultural change in lean manufacturing across the whole business.
Through a systematic approach to continuous improvement, using lean strategy where required, Coveris has been able to deliver major benefits through machine modernisation including upgrades of a low energy UV systems, enabling a 40% reduction in power and aiding new levels of safety, productivity and product reliability. Recent machine interface and enhanced high-performance servo motor replacements on its flexographic presses have also worked to deliver better flexibility, consistency and quality control.
With plans in place to achieve world-class recognition alongside global manufacturing leaders, Coveris is already being recognised by key industry bodies as a leader in operational efficiency. The renowned Shingo Institute, whose operational model is supported by companies such as Siemens, BAE Systems and Rolls Royce is set to host a workshop at Coveris’ Enterprise Way site in Spalding in February focusing on its lean culture of excellence. Coveris also received the Energy & Environment award and were shortlisted for the Factory of the Year award at last year’s Cranfield School of Management Best Factory Awards (BFA).
Angela Robinson of The Manufacturing Institute™ who has worked with Coveris’ paper division over recent years commented on Coveris’ approach to manufacturing in the retail packaging sector “I have been very impressed with the team's commitment to the Coveris Performance System and the results speak for themselves. They have invested a significant amount of time and money to ensure the changes are sustainable which will help to ensure that CPS is part of their culture for many years to come. It's been a pleasure to work with a company who are entirely focused on excellence for their customers”.
To support its commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining world-class standards, the manufacturer is inviting customers to take a look inside its state-of-the-art labels facilities with the launch of a new video available here.
