Background
Lappet Manufacturing make head shawls for Saudi Arabia and they have four factories in the UK. Their cotton processing plants are in Lancaster, Calder Vale and Carlisle, each using traditional manufacturing methods to produce thousands of units a day, while providing numerous jobs to their respective local communities.
Challenges
They had always strived for lean manufacturing but it often made their situation worse. They had plenty to contend with, such as stock control difficulties from using spreadsheets for stock takes and planning, often being way out on their calculations so that nothing could reconcile. Connecting modern ERP systems to old mechanical machinery would indeed be a challenge. Their goal was better efficiency through improved lean manufacturing, which utilised time study measurement to allow management to monitor performance and achieve targets.
Solution
Their new system evolved so it stayed relevant and kept doing a better job. Faults were now reportable and their manufacturing processes measured consistently while showing standard minute values to insure better performance. Vertigo continues to provide boardroom to desktop support and acts as Lappet’s IT security and communication department, saving them the cost of an expensive in-house team. Vertigo has looked after Lappet Manufacturing for over 24 years and is continuing to do so.
