Case Studies

Exopack Advanced Coatings

09/09/2008

Exopack Advanced Coatings is a global leader in the manufacture of coated papers, film, and substrates, and provides specialist services such as contract coating and laminating. The company is based in Wrexham and employs 130 staff.

“Markets are becoming increasingly competitive so we need to address the costs of manufacturing, which is where MAS Wales comes in,” explains Chris Reed, Operations Director at Exopack. “We need very competent processes in order to keep ahead in  the market and improve profitability.”
The first MAS Wales project looked at inventory management.
As Exopack Advanced Coatings works in a  diverse range of markets,  it was proving difficult to create a standard process for managing materials.
“One of the MAS Wales improvements involved introducing monthly inventory reviews,” says Chris Reed.
“Frequent reassessment of our needs has helped substantially reduce stock obsolescence, and has helped free up space in the plant as we hold less stock.
Most importantly of all, MAS Wales scrutinised every single aspect of our inventory processes, and implemented changes that saved us money - cash which has been put to better use developing the business.”

MAS Wales also encouraged the company to consolidate its purchase of packaging - saving a five-figure sum by doing so.
“MAS Wales encouraged us to change our thought processes, and encouraged us to look afresh at the way we do things,” confirms Chris Reed. “Very often the improvements made are relatively simple, but when you are caught up with the day-to-day running of an operation you don’t have time to take a step back and evaluate things.”

“Our MAS Wales adviser earned the respect of staff by getting out on the shop floor and seeing how things operate,” explains Chris Reed.
“His extensive experience in industry meant that he was able to talk the same language as our staff members. Consequently, staff understood why changes had to be made, and helped implement them - creating a culture of sustainable change.”