Hampson Aerospace to run lean

Citation

(2002), "Hampson Aerospace to run lean", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774fab.033

Hampson Aerospace to run lean

Hampson Aerospace to run lean

Keywords: Hampson Aerospace Machining, Components, Lean manufacturing

As part of the Group’s strategy to become a leading global player in precision component manufacturing, Hampson Aerospace Machining, a division of UK-listed Hampson Industries plc., has contracted a top team of Toyota-trained specialists to apply Lean manufacturing techniques to its modern 5,680 sq.m UK factory, based in Birmingham.

The consultancy contract, which represents a significant investment for Hampson, is expected to deliver a very short financial payback through the realisation of manufacturing and process cost reductions across a range of product applications including gas turbine engine components, battle-tank gearboxes and torpedo drive shafts.

Efforts will be focused on enhancing machine-tool uptime, improving product flow and better integrating the use of resources across the entire division. The new ideas currently being implemented are being welcomed by the division’s workforce.

Two Toyota-trained Lean manufacturing specialists have already been recruited to work alongside the consultants as part of the divisional team. With broad international experience gained across a spectrum of blue-chip manufacturing industries, they will be responsible for the rapid and effective deployment of the Lean philosophy throughout Hampson’s Aerospace Machining Division.