Canford ramp up production capabilities

Canfords order book has gone from strength to strength, particularly with a growing demand for bespoke cables and other own brand manufactured products such as MDUs, Tecpro, EMO and Panamic boom poles. In order to maintain the outstanding quality and reliability of their products, Canford have made significant improvements within its manufacturing facility.

The first major change was to create a Rapid Response Cable Cell which was developed to allow both custom and non-stock cable assemblies to be quickly produced, reducing customer waiting times. To do this a Kanban scheduling system of just in time production was implemented, which means that the top 80% of most commonly used components are always available. To further aid production, the work areas adhere to the 5S methodologies (Sorting, Straightening, Systematic Cleaning, Standardisation and Sustaining) which is monitored and scored on a daily basis. Depending on cable type, cable assemblies can be produced, packed and ready for shipping within 20 minutes of the Cable Cell receiving a picking list generated by our Master Scheduling Team.

Building on the success of this Rapid Cable line, similar cells have now been introduced for other product lines which have benefited from increased output and reliability. The MDU (mains distribution unit) cell has increased average unit production from 21 units to 38 units per cell, per day. Other cells include Tecpro and EMO with further cells currently in the planning phase.

Canford has an enviable reputation for the excellence of its manufactured goods which is reflected in the standard 2 year warranty on all Canford made products. Improvements in output must not impact on reputation. To ensure quality is maintained, a Production Support Team has been created consisting of qualified engineers who can help train production staff if they encounter any issues, production operators are IPC qualified and two of the production team leaders are fully qualified IPC trainers.

We pride ourselves in offering our Operators a structured and consistent working environment, with production support readily available at all times Kerry Storey - Production Manager

Other initiatives include the creation of a Looming Station, where all internal wiring components are prepared and tested in advance of build-up, an upgrade to the planning system and the introduction of a Master Scheduling department. The combined effect of all these changes and hard work has not only increased production capacity while maintaining quality standards, but has seen our production scheduling maintain a 100% completion rate for over 4 months.

Customers have driven these changes by increasingly relying on Canford as their preferred supplier and it is gratifying to see our hard work pay off. John Slider - CEO

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