A collaboration between WMG at the University of Warwick and Jaltek Systems in Luton has helped the company move into a brand-new state of the art facility and is set to boost Jaltek’s turnover by several million pounds.

JaltekLink opens in a new window worked with WMG via its funded Digital Innovation for Manufacturing (DI4M) programme and have taken on a talented intern full time to make their growth plans a reality. Initially WMG collaborated with Jaltek to review how their existing factory layout could be scaled up in the new facility to meet demand for the company’s growing box build capability. This involves creating a complete electrical assembly service for customers from design, manufacture, and test through to market.

After undertaking analysis on the “current state” of the production process, WMG conducted a laser scan of the existing and new production facility areas using state of the art equipment from their Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies. This enabled Kieran Batchelor of WMG to design an optimal digital 3D version of the “future state” for the new facility that could be customised going forward. Alongside this, a series of recommendations were made including implementing digital visual management in new areas to track build progress, separating out a test area from assembly, and implementing more ergonomically friendly workstation design.

Following this work, Jaltek took on intern Nayan Wani, an International Technology Management postgraduate from the University of Warwick, for 12 weeks on WMG's Internship for Manufacturing Businesses ProgrammeLink opens in a new window to oversee the project management of the new facility to get it up and running to enable the delivery of multi-million programmes with two key clients. Nayan’s role was to implement “lean manufacturing” principles across the new manufacturing cell in terms of the people, the process and the technology used. He liaised with key stakeholders including senior management at Jaltek as well as the customers to ensure the most optimised layout and material flow for the lines. He delivered a project and communication plan which was approved by the customers ready for launch, on time and to expectations.

The relationship between Jaltek and WMG has gone from strength to strength, with the partners now embarking on a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)Link opens in a new window. The KTP will embed cutting edge management techniques into the organisation to allow them to make transformational changes, including launching into new markets and improving operations.

Steven Blythe, Business Manager Link opens in a new windowat Jaltek Systems said:

"We’ve had a really positive experience working with WMG, Nayan did such a great job that he is now working at Jaltek permanently as a continuous improvement engineer and we have subsequently recommended WMG’s digital factory optimisation tools to other businesses."

Dr Mark Swift, WMG's head of SME programmesLink opens in a new window said:

“This collaboration is a perfect example of the depth and breadth of support that is available for dynamic SMEs like Jaltek via WMG thanks to regional funding and our role as a High Value Manufacturing centre Catapult. Working with us de-risks key decision making whether it’s investing in new technology or moving into a new facility. Our knowledge and expertise help SMEs realise new market opportunities and transform production and operations.”

Nayan Wani, intern at Jaltek Systems said:

“Being a project leader helped me gain a plethora of skills including project management, leadership, time management, stakeholder communication, business planning and analysis of workflow. The WMG Internship scheme is a great opportunity for new graduates to understand how manufacturing organisations operate. I am so excited to now be working with Jaltek going forward.”

Find out more about WMG's work with SME manufacturers here.Link opens in a new window