Chris McKellen started his career in the machine tool
industry and was then involved in setting up a new factory to
manufacture air compressors, before taking up a group role in
manufacturing engineering.
At a specialist diesel engine manufacturer he gained an insight
in to the benefits and pitfalls of the early flexible manufacturing
systems and the need to increase productivity
on such systems.
After joining the automotive division of a major US
based group, he learned that some of the traditional planning tools and
measures used throughout manufacturing industries could sometimes create
major problems within the business.
This realisation, coupled with the need to improve productivity
in a highly unionised environment, led to his keen interest in Lean
Manufacturing, the empowerment of employees and the constant drive to
become World Class.
He moved to the People's Republic of
He completed a long term assignment with another
major US based automotive component manufacturing company where he
trained employees in modern manufacturing techniques, managed major
projects and introduced the Lean Manufacturing concepts and philosophies
to traditional purchasing and materials departments and the supply
chain.
Since 2001, Chris has developed long term
relationships with many companies, both large and small to help them
implement business improvement techniques.
Whilst improvements have to be applied to the whole business,
typical examples of some of the individual projects undertaken include
reducing the changeover time of large power presses by 75% and injection
moulding machines by 60%; increasing the productivity for rolling mill
shafts by 150%; facilitating the consolidation and re-organisation of a
major sheet metal manufacturer with estimated savings approaching £ 1
million per annum and providing training to employees at all levels within
organisations.
