Standfirst: From increased productivity to reduced staff absence, Anglo’s new Production Board has already made a positive impression on day-to-day shopfloor performance. We report.
Feature: With a background in the Tier 2 automotive manufacturing sector, where attention to detail and quality are non-negotiable, Anglo’s Manufacturing Operations Manager, Andrew Hall, takes a suitably diligent approach to his work.
Recently appointed by the steel reinforcement specialist as part of its mission to raise standards within its own operations, and across the entire industry, Andrew places significant emphasis on staff motivation, engagement and accountability.
Aiming to uphold safety procedures, improve productivity, and enhance the customer experience, a new Production Board has been implemented as part of his modus operandi.
Capturing data from every area of the business, the board is already having a measurable impact on day-to-day shop floor performance, fostering continuous improvement and aligning team efforts with company goals.
“It’s the first time that we’ve put something in place that covers all the metrics across the board,” explains Andrew. “It’s already driving through improvements, and we’re seeing dramatic changes in terms of increased productivity, higher quality and better housekeeping,” he adds.
Monitoring factors such as health & safety, on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery, absenteeism, productivity, and overtime, a colour-coded chart indicates performance against daily targets, which are then reviewed in daily meetings.
“Talking about the previous day’s productivity and any quality issues, or shortages, means we maintain communication and reinforce that critical engagement with everybody on the shop floor,” explains Andrew. “We’ve also implemented monthly briefs, so the entire Anglo team understands how we’re performing on a month-by-month basis,” he adds.
Offering real-time production tracking and encouraging shared responsibility for meeting targets, the new initiative aims to improve visibility, communication, and accountability across Anglo’s manufacturing teams.
Providing a live, visual tool to display performance, targets, and progress, the production board aims to support transparency, empower employees, and keep operations aligned with customer commitments.
“I’m pleasantly surprised at how positively the team have responded to the Production Board,” adds Andrew. “Our OTIF score has increased considerably, and our absence rates and overtime costs are significantly reducing, all within a very short space of time.”
With an aim to standardise housekeeping throughout the factory, Andrew has also introduced a ‘5S’ methodology. Monitored by weekly internal audits that encourage healthy competition amongst each department to further increase operative engagement, the five s’s stand for ‘sort’, ‘set in order’, ‘shine’, ‘standardise’ and ‘sustain’.
“It’s an integral part of ISO 9001,” explains Andrew, “and it means we can maintain a more consistent level of cleanliness and, in turn, productivity throughout each department.
“It all translates to a better service offering to Anglo customers.”
The new Production Board is just one example of how Anglo is reinforcing its previous efforts to raise standards. Having gained IS0 9001, the globally recognised standard for quality, last year, the Manchester-based company also recently launched its own-branded galvanised steel for window and door reinforcement with an aim to foster trust and increase transparency.
“The Production Board has already brought uplift and positive trends throughout the business,” adds Andrew. “At Anglo, we’re fully committed to building a culture of ownership and excellence across the production floor, and this, alongside our wider continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing principles, is really helping us to achieve that.”
For more information about Anglo, visit www.anglometal.co.uk email enquiries@anglometal.com or call 0161 231 2354.
