CTC redefining manufacturing excellence with IWS

Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) recently launched a first of its kind management system, known as the Integrated Work System (IWS) that serves as a breakthrough in efficiency improvement at its Colombo factory. IWS, a well-structured manufacturing strategy combines 12 industrial best practices into one. It aims at achieving and sustaining breakthrough business results through 100% employee ownership and a ‘Zero Loss’ mindset. 

Commenting on this unique endeavour, CEO and Managing Director Felico Ferraz said, “Principally, IWS is designed to achieve next level performance by implementing stringent practices that further improve BAT’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. IWS instils a feasible culture of continuous improvement that is necessary to deliver expected results in productivity. What truly differentiates it from other such initiatives is that there is cross level people involvement throughout the process, which I believe is a driving force in ensuring the success of the system.”

Supported by eight synchronised daily management systems, IWS ensures that production losses are visible at a glance. Everyone from top management to the operator gets involved in resolving the causes for production loss. It identifies the top three causes for production halts, subsequently finding proactive solutions to reduce their occurrence using standard work processes. This will be repeated until the desired ‘Zero Loss’ state is achieved.

Supply Chain Director Shah Mansoor Khalil noted, “IWS stands out among other efficiency improvement tools as it enables us to look at the manufacturing process in a proactive way. It is a very cyclic approach that looks at problems at a microscopic level, identifies the root cause and attempts to find and implement efficient solutions to counter them. We have already experienced an increase in overall equipment efficiency within the first four weeks of putting this system in place. I have no doubt that IWS is undoubtedly the next generation in efficiency improvement tools.”

CTC has been consistent in their drive towards implementing internationally acclaimed management practices. Furthermore, the company has always been synonymous with innovative and best industrial practices. Taking yet another step forward in this endeavour, CTC envisions that IWS will be the future of manufacturing and management of production efficiency in the days to come.