Business Challenge
To reduce product cost for a key product by 30% in order to become the preferred supplier of ejector seats for a major new aircraft.
Background
Our client recognized that a 30% reduction in product cost would be necessary to secure this critical contract.
Their initial focus was on replacing their ageing business systems, but soon realized that a more fundamental assessment of their manufacturing strategy was required.

• Working with a multi-disciplined project team, every component part of the entire bill of material was physically reviewed to identify synergies and manufacturing cell & stage opportunities.
• The manufacturing facility was then re-aligned into component group ‘cells’, and the assembly line prepared to allow for a flow-line stage build.
• Employees were trained and then asked to participate in Kaizen initiatives, enabling greater involvement and ownership of new ways of working.

Key Achievements & Value Delivered

• 30% product cost reduction.
• Lean operating architecture established.