Retailers’ interest in lean manufacturing is ‘massive opportunity’

“The objective of improvement is achieving lower manufacturing costs,”​ explained Jeremy Praud, partner, Lauras International, in this exclusive video interview with FoodManufacture.co.uk.

“Since that can be food for manufacturers and retailers, it represents a big opportunity​,”​ he said.

‘20% in manufacturing costs’​

Praud said implementing the right lean strategy in the manufacture of fast-moving consumer goods could deliver a reduction of “upwards of a 20% in manufacturing costs” ​over three years.

But adopting the wrong lean manufacturing strategy could carry big penalties, he warned. “If you focus on the wrong things – even though they may be important – you will slow the rate of improvement and you will lose the competitive advantage,” ​said Praud.

The Lauras boss will be joined by speakers from Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Greencore to explore the full benefits and challenges of adoping lean and green food and drink manufacturing techniques and evaluation processes.

M&S head of responsible sourcing and packaging and Plan A​

Louise Nicholls, M&S head of responsible sourcing and packaging and Plan A, will focus on the retailer’s pioneering approach to lean and green evaluation processes. A particular focus will be how such an approach can deliver benefits for all involved throughout the supply chain.

Greencore’s group technical director Helen Sisson will explain how lean and green manufacturing has boosted the convenience food manufacturer’s performance. Sisson will also explain how motivating the team at manufacturing sites was vital to delivering significant and sustained progress in lean and green manufacturing.

Each speaker will deliver a short presentation on their perspective of the business and ethical benefits of lean and green manufacturing and sourcing, before taking part in a panel discussion.

Once registered​ for the free one-hour webinar, you can listen at any time after its first broadcast at 11am on Tuesday April 26, any number of times, for up to six months.

Delegates will also be able to submit a question for consideration by our expert panel during the webinar broadcast. Alternatively, you can email a question​ in advance.