BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent is home to the organisations Electronic Systems Division. This site has been designing, manufacturing and supporting aerospace and avionics products for more than 70 years. Electronic Systems spans the commercial and defence electronics markets with a broad portfolio of missioncritical electronic systems, including flight and engine controls, electronic warfare and night vision systems; surveillance and reconnaissance sensors; secure networked communications equipment, and power and energy management systems. Their customers include the US and UK Defence Forces as well as an increasingly broad spectrum of commercial clients both in the UK and around the world.
Lean Manufacturing
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BAE’s lean transformation has embraced many of the lean six sigma concepts, tools and behaviours. On the visit they will share with visitors their journey which has enabled them to transform how they operate, reduce costs and waste.
Design for Manufacture (DFM) Prototyping & 3D Printing
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DFM and the use of 3D printing has allowed BAE Systems to reduce their New Product Development time down by 50%. This visit will provide an overview of the DFM process and also their approach to prototyping and 3D printing.
Culture of Change, BIT and the Shingo Journey
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Just over five years ago, the site recognise that for it to survive it needed to change its employees mindsets. This led to a focus on the culture and a commitment to innovation and best practice which has culminated in the application for the Shingo Prize — The Shingo Prize is generally accepted as the world’s leading award for Operational Excellence.