Press releases » Growing Success - Lean transformation at Double H

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Growing Success - Lean transformation at Double H

26/3/2009

Market leader and rural SME success story, Double H Nurseries recently shared with visitors to their facility, how lean manufacturing techniques can be applied in any sector with dramatic results.

“The application of lean techniques in a horticultural environment presented some challenges, but we have adapted it to our environment and the results have transformed the way we work and the profitability of the business” said Paul Mincham, Production Manager

The family-owned company employs over 90 people at its site in the New Forest, Hampshire. The company produce high quality house plants (Begonia’s, Chrysanthemums, Orchids and Calla Lilly’s) for the high street supermarkets. They supply around 40% of the market across the country.

Bucking the economic downturn the company has focussed on reducing costs and increasing productivity, whilst maintaining a strong focus on quality. The lean transformation has definitely been worthwhile as the company counts the majority of the UK’s leading supermarkets as its customers. Supplying to this notoriously challenging sector presents its own challenges but the attitude of Double H is positive as they believe that it encourages them to continue to challenge processes and how they work

Despite the economic predictions about the state of British manufacturing, this company is thriving. It is difficult to picture growing quality house plants as manufacturing but there is no doubt when you walk around the facility that all the manufacturing principles apply.

Working closely with the Manufacturing Advisory Service South East to drive change, Double H have used techniques such as Kaizen, Total Productive Maintenance, Standard Operating Procedures, and Five S. They have focussed on training and developing their staff to ensure that the transformation is adopted and maintained.

More than anything Double H demonstrated to visitors how the Lean Tools and Techniques which have traditionally been associated with automotive and traditional manufacturing can be adopted in any environment and can drive success.

The visit to Double H was part of the Manufacturing Insights visit programme. The programme is delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South East, and provides an excellent opportunity for companies to spend a day at another company, to see in action how they have achieved success. Over 800 people have visited the thirty best practice hosts across London and the South East since the programme’s inception in 2006.

Media enquiries:

Charlotte Lockwood
Account Manager
Harvest Marketing Communications
Tel: 023 9244 9655

Ailsa Kaye
Programme Director
Manufacturing Insights
Tel: 023 9246 8978
Email: ailsa@manufacturinginsights.co.uk

Supplementary Information

Manufacturing Insights

Manufacturing Insights is a best practice visit programme managed by Onsite Insights Limited on behalf of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – South East and the London Manufacturing Advisory Service (see below).

The programme is specifically for manufacturing companies based in London and the South East of England with the aim of improving manufacturing in this country. The programme works by arranging for successful companies to host two or three visit days a year, when managers and leaders from other manufacturing companies can visit and enjoy site tours, presentations and discussions which address the challenges facing the manufacturing industry today and sharing ideas and solutions.

Further information about Manufacturing Insights or Onsite Insights can be accessed by phone: 023-9246-8978; by email: info@manufacturinginsights.co.uk; or via the websites at www.manufacturinginsights.co.uk and www.onsiteinsights.co.uk.