News: Manufacturers meet at DavyMarkham

Sheffield heavy engineering specialist, DavyMarkham, showcased its inspirational business turnaround story at an industry networking event.

The company hosted a Member Connect event in partnership with the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) for manufacturing managers, operations directors, apprentice programme leaders and businesses interested in lean manufacturing and operational excellence.

The programme consisted of presentations by Andy Tuscher, region director – north at EEF, John Watson, director of production at DavyMarkham and Peter Winebloom, director of apprentices and skills at EEF.

The event included a tour of DavyMarkham's shop floor at Darnall for delegates from businesses including MTL, Newburgh Engineering, and Darron SBO.

John Watson, who has worked for the company for 22 years, said: "The Member Connect event was a great opportunity for DavyMarkham to strengthen our reputation as leading industry experts and to share best practice and expertise with our peers.

"I spoke about the challenges the company has faced in the last four years, such as an ageing workforce and the need to invest in apprentices. Four years ago the working practices of the company were entrenched in the 70s but communication and engagement with the whole workforce has been central to successfully turning things around.

"The event was a huge success and I received lots of positive feedback about what we have achieved at DavyMarkham."

John also spoke about how the company introduced the Japanese housekeeping 5s programme, which has been implemented throughout DavyMarkham's production departments and workshop, providing higher levels of efficiency and creating greater capacity to take on key projects.

Andy Tuscher, regional director at the EEF, said: "What DavyMarkham has done to reinvent the company over a short period of time is fantastic. The company has strong leadership, but the changes have involved staff from all areas. I also think it’s commendable that DavyMarkham is investing in apprenticeship schemes.

"John spoke with passion at the presentation and a lot of best practice was identified and shared amongst EEF members."

EEF is the only membership organisation dedicated entirely to the manufacturing industry. They work to ensure that government policies are are in the best interests of manufacturing and offer members a unique insight into emerging trends and the innovative new directions being taken by forward thinking-organisations.

DavyMarkham website
EEF website

Images: davymarkham.com