Work efficiency level at Latvijas Finieris Group running high. New methods on the way for 2022.
In 2021, Latvijas Finieris mills continued to practice various work efficiency programmes known worldwide and implemented new ones to increase the efficiency level of processes at plywood production mills and HQ. As a result, the work efficiency has contributed to financial savings and higher employee engagement and effectiveness.
Right now, Latvijas Finieris Group is using 5 different methods – KAIZEN, TPM, 5s, SMED and TWI JI – which all together contribute to the efficiency level of processes within the group by standardising and continuously improving the workplace, making it comfortable for employees, as well as speeding-up the learning process of new work duties. An additional benefit from the programs is the engagement level of employees, which as internal surveys show, is increasing with every year.
Comparing 2020 to 2021
When compared to the previous year, the number of implemented KAIZEN applications has increased by 55%, showing improvements regarding employees’ engagement level. In 2020, TPM was used only at Lignums Mill, but last year it was also implemented in other plywood production mills, leading to an increase of workplaces where TPM is applied by 35%. A similar situation can be observed when analysing 5s – in 2021, the number of workplaces where 5s was applied increased by 50%. Meanwhile, implemented SMED projects have stayed at the same level as the year before, however last year, TWI JI was a pilot project.
Why does efficiency matter?
High efficiency and skilled workforces not only help to save costs and resources during production processes, but also help us keep our promise to customers – to provide premium quality birch plywood products and secure high level services.
In the second quarter of this year, a new method will be introduced to the employees of Latvijas Finieris Group – “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA) – a 4-step module for simple and effective problem solving. The pilot programme will be launched at Lignums Mill.