The program of the 1st forum "Large companies", on February 12, 2010, featured an on-site tour at the company Kuiter Innenausbau and a presentation of the business consultancy SCHULER Business Solutions AG. The association "tischlernord" had invited about 67 members to the joinery Kuiter in Thuine. In defiance of the harsh winter weather, 31 representatives of 16 companies had accepted the invitation to the Emsland and took part in an interesting and diversified event.
Ansgar Kuiter, owner of the company Kuiter - Workshops for interior fitting, started with a short presentation of the company which specializes in the international construction of trade fair stands and shop fittings.
The subsequent company tour through the production halls led to animated discussions already at the time of the factory visit which were continued during the stand-up snack.
In the afternoon, Andreas Schädle, Head of a Schuler consultancy team, presented possibilities of productivity and efficiency enhancement in joineries. Under the label "Lean Production - Creating values without producing waste" he demonstrated in practical examples optimization potential and outlined action plans and their consistent implementation. Based on his own experience, he stated that improvements in lead times and human-resource allocation may be achieved in a double-digit percentage by applying the principles of Lean Production. The decisive factor for successful optimization projects is however, according to Schädle, the awareness and motivation of the employees.
After having spent four and half hours with on-site touring, presentations and discussions, all participants agreed that the series of events should be continued. Consequently it has already been decided that the association will invite again in a year's time for the 2nd forum "Large Companies".
Author: Matthias Wächter, Association of the Joinery Trade Lower Saxony, Bremen