Hallmark's Keen, Lean Manufacturing Team Rewarded with NVQs

No less than 80 of Hull-based Hallmark Panels' staff have been awarded NVQ Certificates for achieving Level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques, encouraged as part of Hallmark's commitment to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing techniques and staff development at all levels.

Staff from all departments took part in the NVQ training which encourages them to understand such issues as compliance with Statutory Regulations and Organisational Safety Requirements, the benefits of effective team working, applying Workplace Organisation and applying Continuous Improvement Techniques (Kaizen).

The benefits for Hallmark include the elimination of waste, reduction of cost and variation, improved productivity, reduction of workplace accidents and a boost in staff morale and motivation. Hallmark director John Rolland says that there is a palpable improvement in staff that complete the course: ‘We are delighted with the commitment by our staff to this course and congratulations to all that passed! At Hallmark we have seen the value of continuous improvement including staff training. As a direct result we have one of the door industry's best product and service records but we understand that it can always be improved.

‘Staff from all departments take this NVQ and we can see a very real improvement in attitudes and work rate. By understanding why they are doing something as part of the bigger picture and their place and importance in the team, there has been a tremendous uplift in the atmosphere in all departments and the factory as a whole. In terms of the quantifiable references we are still making assessments but we are confident that as a business we will see further improvements at all levels.’

Web: http://www.hallmarkpanels.com