A NORTHERN Rivers packaging manufacturer has identified ways to save more than 1,600 labour hours and $56,000 a year after taking part in a State Government efficiency program.<\/p>\n
Ant Packaging, based near Ballina, joined the NSW Government\u2019s Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, which offers on-site audits to small and medium manufacturers to reduce waste and improve workflow.<\/p>\n
Managing director John Clark said the process helped the business take a fresh look at how it operates.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the opportunity to participate in the Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program came up, we saw it as a chance to challenge ourselves and take a fresh look at how we work,\u201d Clark said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe audits provided valuable external insight, and the support from the program gave us the tools and structure to turn those insights into practical actions.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince completing the pilot, we\u2019ve already started implementing clearer visual controls, improving communication across shifts and introducing more structured daily problem-solving.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese changes are small but powerful, and they\u2019re already making a difference to efficiency and team engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clark said the process had also reinforced the company\u2019s focus on continual improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s helped us reset our focus and reinforced the value of continuous improvement as a daily habit, not a once-off project,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The regional manufacturing sector generates about $38 billion in revenue and employs 84,000 people across NSW.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NORTHERN Rivers packaging manufacturer has identified ways to save more than 1,600 labour hours and $56,000 a year after taking part in a State Government efficiency program. Ant Packaging, based near Ballina, joined the NSW Government\u2019s Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, which offers on-site audits to small and medium manufacturers to reduce waste and improve […]<\/p>\n