Lean

In the last ten years, QPSL has moved from being a traditional 'long run, mass production' manufacturer to a company where the 'lean approach to business' is embraced by every employee, in every part of the company. The five principles of lean, guide all we do. We share them with you below with some examples of our progress under each heading:

1. Create value as our customers see it

• We really do try understand by meeting face to face, asking, listening and checking what it is exactly that our customers value
• Once we know what they value, the quality of the product (and service) is controlled by those who make it. We have no Quality Control Department!

2. Understand the Value Stream so that we only do things that create value for our customers

• We have examined all our processes, not just in manufacturing, to identify what adds value and what does not (waste!) and we eliminate the waste.
• A good example of this is the Quantum Specialist Measuring Service. Duplication of data input has been eradicated, saving time and input error and producing a cutting schedule that minimises material waste.
• Another example comes from our shop floor and the large number of small improvements that have been made to minimise die changeover times. Our customers don't value downtime; only production time.
• We have even managed to improve production time with faster running speeds.

3. Generate Flow so that no time is wasted waiting in a queue or a pile of work

• You will find no Work in Progress (WIP); just product flowing from raw material to finished packed product following a standard procedure.
• ISO 9001 is an integral part of lean standard procedures and we also audit ourselves regularly.
• Despatches take place all day, every day so that nothing is left hanging around.
• Orders received go straight to planning and the shop floor. The only problem is the customer who changes his mind; we have sometimes made it already!

4. Allow customer pull so that we only make and deliver what the customer wants when they want

• We try to make everything to order within 24 hours. Yes that really does mean order received, made and despatched on the same day.
• Finished stock is kept to a minimum and then only on 'runners'.
• We rarely end up with obsolete stock, finished or raw material.
• Stock counts are quick and easy but accurate.

5. Strive for Perfection and never to be satisfied - every one of us at QPSL can always find better ways of providing value

• Everyone at QPSL contributes to the 'continuous improvement'. Our ongoing Lean Enterprise Programme has all team leaders and managers working together across all departments.
• 'Visual management' allows everyone to know what works and what needs improving
• We have our own internal lean logo geared around our ongoing objective of always learning to be leaner.

Green

• A core element of lean is the elimination of waste. So the adoption of an environmental policy and ISO 14001 was handled in parallel with our lean journey.
• The company has a well defined Product Development Process. When any new product is developed or an existing one is improved every effort is made to undertake a Life Cycle Assessment ('LCA', also known as life cycle analysis, ecobalance, cradle-to-grave-analysis).
• We work closely with our suppliers on such matters as REACH, End of Life Directives, WEE, RoHS.
• We also make sure our products match the requirements of such bodies as BRE, Code for Sustainable Homes, SAP.
• In the last year 5 employees have bought bicycles under the cycle to work scheme.

Safe

• We do not regard rigorous Health and Safety as a 'nuisance' but as essential to the health and well being of all our employees, and anyone associated with the company.
• On an external basis all our Site Surveyors have CSCS Approval and all our Area Sales Managers  have developed strict guidelines on the use of mobile phones in their cars.
• On an internal basis we have H&S Monthly Meetings with rigorous reporting and follow up. We also ensure regular H&S Training for all.
• A number of employees have given up smoking as participants in the NHS /Oldham Smoke Free Campaign 
• We work closely with our suppliers on REACH and COSHH  matters
• Finally all our Nosings serve a as a safety feature on staircases with specific ranges complying with Disability Discrimination Act guidelines 

Clean

• This is all about our approach to business – both internally and externally
• We have nothing to hide - integrity and transparency are at the core of our business
• We are open and honest with a clean reputation