Moving Onwards and Upwards
With operating efficiency constrained by lack of space and a desire to improve service on increased sales, relocation to larger premises was inevitable for a Yorkshire plastics company. Century Plastics clearly understood the cliche to be a victim of one's own success with continued sales growth over the last five years. However, as befits the basic principles of supply and demand, increased sales bring an increased stock and the cramped warehouse had become something of "an Achilles heel". According to David McCullough, Century Plastics Managing Director "What customers wanted was not always accessible and this led to longer lead-times and frustration all around".
The solution was a 1 million pound c. 17,000 sqft facility at the new Vector 31 Business Park off Mansfield Road in Sheffield, maintaining an investment in the area and holding on to the experience of Century's long established workforce. However, it was clearly understood that the investment did not stop there with David intent on strengthening Century in both "capacity and capability". The subsequent, acquisition of a Panhaus beam saw would accommodate the increasing requirements of very specific cut-to-size orders.
David was ebullient about the opportunity these wholesale changes offered, "We're not the first company that has outgrown their premises or have operated with equipment that's not entirely suitable. We (Century) now have a clean slate and are able to take advantage of the improved layout and equipment".
Furthermore, it has created an impetus to drive improvement in other areas, with a company wide focus on eliminating stock-outs. David said, "it's all part of our company policy to supply customers with what they want, when they want it which is the real challenge for any business that really does put customers first".
Against a backdrop of increased turnover, new customers, entering new markets and with more products added to the range, it is a challenge that Century Plastics look well positioned to meet.
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