Basingstoke UK 15th February 2005

‘ We have to meet the demands of all our customers but as with many businesses of our size, our major clients remain key ‘ says Philip Simmonds, Managing Director of EC Electronics Ltd. ‘ Our new factory has doubled our floor space and given us the scope to introduce cell manufacturing operations to enhance these relationships, with the ability to scale up or down more easily as demand dictates. ’ says Simmonds.

Cell based product assembly dedicated to specific clients needs is a new service successfully introduced in the summer of last year.

‘ Our processes have always been based on a combination of batch and line production, with each job fed from a central raw materials store located and managed within factory ‘ says Simmonds.

As a result of strong working relationships developed with key clients, it became apparent that dedicated resources, expertise and familiarity would further enhance and maintain high standards in all aspects of service delivery.

Thus the concept of specific client based assembly cells was researched and implemented to deliver what was required.

‘ Our special projects team has for many years been run as an identified unit within our operation embracing high skill levels, so we were not unfamiliar with the cell concept’ says Simmonds.

In EC’s terms, a cell has its own clearly defined floor area, dedicated equipment, assembly and supervisory staff, with line - side raw materials stock on hand and Kan Ban finished goods bin replenishment.

There are clear benefits to be gained from both viewpoints.

Cell based clients feel secure in that their schedules are met without concern over where they stand in the overall manufacturing capability delivered by EC.

Assembly responsibilities and issues are defined and managed within the cell with staff benefiting from the ‘ dedicated team’ kudos. This creates a positive outlook giving rise to an ownership ethos, enabling speedy resolution of any operational conflicts within the cell.

In addition issues such as servicing of equipment, skills training and process improvement are quickly identified and handled more efficiently.

EC has found that cell demarcation has helped in the measurement and development of their processes in general and has increased their capability to add value. The on going extension and documentation of their quality systems has been an added benefit.

The implementation of any new processes should not be taken lightly, however. To make the cell viable the manufacturer must have detailed in house knowledge and expertise in all relevant processes. Implementation can be long and drawn out with heavy up front costs.

The more mature the relationship and co- operation with the client at outset, the more effective the outcome will be in terms of performance, satisfaction levels and return on investment for the long term.

‘ We see additional client cells being implemented in the future as part of our long term growth plans ‘ says Simmonds. ‘ We feel confident that the adoption of this concept will enable us to maintain the development of our key differentiators , namely technical expertise, financial stability and the ability to forge strategic relationships with our key clients.’