CHANGE is scary and we all avoid it as much as possible.
But after seeing how Isuzu Motors South Africa changed its factory, we agreed that change is necessary.
Isuzu took a decision to spend R27 million and move the production facilities from Kempston Road in Port Elizabeth to Isuzu Motors South Africa’s headquarters in Struandale, Port Elizabeth.
The change is the result of Isuzu merging its truck and bakkie divisions into one company – Isuzu Motors South Africa – in February last year.
Michael Sacke, CEO and managing director, said having both truck and bakkie facilities under one roof has many advantages – including driving a common team culture and more efficient use of shared resources.
“We have already started with the regular production of our market-leading trucks at their new home in Struandale in January this year.
“These changes have resulted in greater efficiencies in terms of our manufacturing support resources and an opportunity to improve the application of our lean manufacturing system,” he said.
Johan Vermeulen, the manufacturing and supply chain executive, said: “It took many months to study, plan and execute the truck-plant move while using the opportunity to correct historical layout problems.
“Materials are now stored closer to the truck line which reduces inter-factory travel distances significantly.
“The new factory layout improves production efficiency while eliminating unneeded costs.
“We also used the opportunity to work together with our source plant to change the way that material is packed. This provided easier access to correct materials when they are needed at the right time. We also came up with some innovative solutions with regard to materials storage.”
With these teams now working closely together, expect more than just the already amazing D-Max, M-UX and other state-of-the-art trucks because the new factory makes Isuzu a force to be reckoned with in the commercial vehicle market.
“By carefully merging into a single company, the upgraded production site has taught us a lot about the culture and logistics of production,” said Sacke.
