The Vale Clydach Refinery located near Swansea in South Wales, is one of Europe’s largest nickel refineries, producing high purity nickel pellet and powder products for specialist applications such as high nickel alloys, batteries, nickel plating and automotive components. They supply over 280 customers in over 30 countries worldwide (Europe, Asia and USA). Their Continuous Improvement (CI) approach has been based around specific tools: Standard Work, 5S, TPM, OEE, QCO and Six Sigma.
Winner of the prestigious Shingo silver medallion in 2014.
Continuous Improvement Journey to Shingo Silver medallion win
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The site has been on a CI & Operational Excellence journey since 2008 and are proud of their achievements. Employees have been trained in CI tools such as problem solving and are encouraged to apply this learning in their work team. Key to their success has been engaging their employees to contribute improvement ideas and participate in their implementation. The visit will be an opportunity for them to share these experiences and what they have learnt along the way, through to being awarded the Shingo Silver medallion for Operational Excellence in January 2014.
Corporate Social Responsibility
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The Clydach Refinery is justly proud of their environmental record. In 2014 99.9% of all waste has been diverted from landfill, with 77% re-used or recycled. With a 100 year history, it is important to us that we maintain good Community relations. This visit will focus on the improvements we have made and what we do to contribute and engage with our Community.
Visual Management – ‘Yellow Boards’
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Throughout Clydach Refinery, Continuous Improvement “Yellow Boards” are used to:
– Cascade Refinery strategy into meaningful activities for each work team.
– Track KPI’s and action plans.
– Action important issues, escalating items where appropriate.
– Enhance communication within team, and allow employees to provide feedback.
– Cascade expectations around the behaviours needed to sustain our CI culture.
– Recognise team success.
They will share the process with you and during a tour of the Refiner you will have the opportunity to see the Yellow Boards in practice