The FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems Limited (FSIS) factory in the UK recently won the ‘Best Process Plant Award’ at the 2011 ‘Best Factory Awards‘ run by the Cranfield School of Management and Works Management Magazine. The factory manufactures screen inks and digital UV inkjet inks for the screen and wide format printing sector.

Finalists for the Awards are initially selected after a full documentary examination, which is then followed by an audit of the manufacturing site. This year’s winners were announced at an Awards presentation attended by 350 people at the Park Lane Hotel in London in September. FSIS was shortlisted along with 14 other finalists, and won 'Best Process Plant Award’ which is one of the four major sector awards.

Fujifilm Ink Factory

The judges from Cranfield School of Management commented upon how well FSIS had transitioned the manufacturing operation from analogue screen inks to digital inkjet inks, and the resultant dramatic change in quality specifications.

They were also particularly impressed with the Right First Time improvement that now stands at over 97% in digital ink manufacture; the 5S housekeeping programme throughout the plant, and Visual Management which gives constant feedback to the manufacturing teams who work in a cellular system.

Colin Boughton, operations director, FSIS commented, “We are very proud to have been awarded ‘Best Process Plant’ as this validates that Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems is one of the best manufacturing operations in its sector today. This award represents a truly fantastic achievement by everyone concerned in making our operation a success over the past few years and is recognition that purpose, hard work and a commitment to continuous improvement is a route to success.”

He continues, “We will now be required to host several industry visits during the coming year, present at conferences and assist other organisations in achieving first class manufacture. We must not, therefore, rest on our laurels. We need to sustain our achievement and strive to improve, especially in the areas where we know there are opportunities.”

The Best Factory Awards started in 1992 with the Cranfield School of Management, and this year marks their 20th anniversary. The aim is to promote and reward manufacturing excellence in the UK in order to increase International competitiveness. Since 1992 over 1600 manufacturing plants, including many foreign owned factories such as Siemens Mobility, Olympus Key Med and Carl Zeiss have participated.