Elastomeric excels in lean manufacturing

Elastomeric Engineering Company Ltd became the second Runner -up in the National productivity awards in 2010 organized by National Productivity Secretariat and the 1st runner-up at the “Taiki Akimoto 5s Award competition” 2010 which was organized by JASTICA Sri Lanka.

These achievements were resulting from   “Lean Manufacturing System” and “Team Work Concept” which are well established and practiced within the organization.

Elastomeric group is a leading manufacturer of premium quality polymer products for the international market with a strong global market presence, products, such as Wheels for casters, Solid Tyres for Forklifts and Gaskets for Plate Heat Exchangers.

Elastomeric is a fully owned subsidiary of HEXPOL AB, Swedish multinational, listed in the Stockholm stock exchange, with 26 operation units in 9 countries.

Elastomeric is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited company and has earned the industry reputation for quality products at competitive price with superior customer service.  

 Elastomeric is a Billion Rupee company, employs well over 1,400 employees, products are synonymous with their superior quality, delivery reliability and effective customer service in the international market.

 The company process more than 150mt of Natural Rubber per month in to value added quality products using state of the art technology to suite the international market in 22 different countries and is a foreign exchange booster for the Sri Lankan economy.

Elastomeric practices “Lean Manufacturing” concepts under the Wheel manufacturing system to reach operational excellence, Lean Manufacturing is the operational tool which has helped them to maximise the production efficiency and to become world class to be in the market competition, further the effective Industrial human relation practices in Elastomeric has enhance employees commitment to implement Lean manufacturing thinking at floor level.

Activities such as reward scheme for 5S and Kaizen were introduced in 2006 are working very effectively with full participation of all employees at all levels.

Team work at floor level with problem solving, analysing and prompt attention has given the company edge over its competition.

 The 5S Philosophy focuses on effective work place organization and standardized working procedures. 5S simplifies our work environment, reduces waste, and non value activity while improving Quality, Efficiency and Safety.

In order to implement 5s program effectively, we have encourage competition within divisions in   the organization. Management and staff work in teams in order to reduce rejects at various stages of production through problem solving methods such as Pareto analysis and cause and effect diagram.

They meet daily weekly and monthly to review the progress that has been made and take remedial actions (Plan Do Check Act –PDCA).  This has helped them to improve productivity and meet customer demands on time.

 Kaizen concept has been highly appreciated by the employees of the organization where active participation was 100%.  Shop floor employees have brought improvements, ideas, suggestions to eliminate/ reduce/ change current practices and working methods with a view to improve the productivity.

They meet monthly to discuss progress of their work with the management. More than 600 suggestions have been given in 2010 and 150 suggestions implemented which have contributed in a big way in improving working methods productivity of the organization and reducing cost of production. Implemented Kaizen suggestions are presented at the end of each month. They present their suggestions in front of top management.

Through these Elastomeric Engineering Company hopes to become 01st in the   National productivity awards and Taiki Akimoto 5s Award competitions in 2011.