At the main factory of FTE Automotive, processes needed to be professionalized in production and organization, and state-of-the-art manufacturing methods introduced. As part of this innovation project, the rapid implementation of new technologies and new methods of visual process management had to be synergistically implemented.
Product quality standards were maintained at all times.
“Our goal is to work with the latest production methods and to ensure a high degree of product innovation and quality for our customers.”
The company has many years of experience in the production of brake and clutch hydraulics. FTE automotive products are in demand worldwide and our OEM customers see us as a strong partner for their innovation projects. Behind our quality and innovative products lies a highly qualified, creative and motivated team.
As a traditional company, FTE Automotive is also distinguished by the fact that the majority of our employees have been with us for a long time. This tradition ensures experience and stability. Nevertheless, it is important – through external support as well – to regularly review the company’s internal processes and, where appropriate, to make them more effective. That’s why we deliberately opted for an external production expert and innovation manager to support and optimize these processes.
“On the new, high-tech processing machines, we have increased OEE to over 80 percent.”
The base requirement was for a senior manager with strong implementation and communication skills and a hands-on mentality. An engineer with a focus on manufacturing or production engineering and extensive experience in the areas that affect our production.
The main task was to structure and optimize manufacturing processes at our company headquarters. This involved around 300 employees and a turnover of € 50 million. It was necessary to ensure that the entire team was trained in new methods of visual process management while continuing production and fulfilling FTE quality requirements.
The interim manager very quickly won the acceptance of factory staff through his knowledge and team spirit. He recognized the weaknesses in production and optimized them through his active support and personal example. As a result of his regular attendance at the weekly master craftsmen meeting or on-site process visualizations, the optimizations introduced were quickly assimilated into the production chain.
In just a few months, through the efforts of the Globalise manager and the newly implemented production technologies, we succeeded in significantly improving profit center earnings.