KTP was the right choice for Wright Machinery

Providers of conveyors, packaging machines and support frames for food manufacturers, Wright Machinery knows the importance of keeping costs low and competition high.

In recent years, Wright Machinery has faced several challenges. The increase in low-cost manufacturers from overseas has undercut its pricing and has increased competitive pressure. Manual output planning has reduced efficiency in the scheduling and planning of projects, and has caused problems when working under deadlines. In order to develop a competitive presence in the market, Wright needed to find a way to cut manufacturing costs.

A two Associate KTP project with London South Bank University aimed at lowering production costs and creating a planning system to effectively control the manufacturing and distribution process was taken on with KTP Associate Ran Mendelewicz at the helm. Ran analysed existing vibratory conveyor designs and by cutting excess parts and processes, reduced the price of production by £120 per unit. Wright expects this massive reduction in manufacturing cost to save approximately £72,000 per year.

Looking ahead, Ran moved on to develop Wright’s future conveyors, designs that will enable the company to secure higher margins. Three of the prototypes designed by Ran were showcased at an exhibition in Germany, building Wrights international reputation and placing it at the forefront of conveyor manufacturing technology. Another of his designs is now being patented by Wright. These designs will propel Wright Machinery ahead of its competitors, “We have stolen a march on competitors through the use of new technology.”

KTP Associate number 2, Rosemary Thomas, took Ran’s work a step further and analysed the current systems for opportunities to increase production efficiency. She developed a master schedule of production that displayed all the jobs currently in progress as well as prioritising the order of their completion. Wrights Financial Director, Angus Davidson explains “Rosemary’s tools have been crucial to our ability to complete deliveries on target. Previously we could not guarantee delivery and therefore lost business. Additionally, improving the visibility of our manufacturing process has freed up cash, which allows us to focus on business development and attracting new customers.”

Managing Director, James Walsh has been so impressed with the results of this project that he predicts big changes a foot for Wright. “We foresee a dramatic increase in profit following the project’s completion. The principle of KTP has been excellent and we are delighted with the expected outcome. For businesses embarking on a KTP project, the benefits are exponential.”

Chris Dowlen, Academic Supervisor on the project reflects, “Working on this project has been hugely beneficial to my vocational development. Advising and receiving feedback on these projects has given me a unique insight into the manufacturing industry. As a result I am able to continually increase my relevance to students providing them with direct experience and industry contacts.”