Lean Introduction Workshop

An Introduction to Lean Management course was hosted by the eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) on Tuesday, 5 March 2019. This event was the first official EFC event for the year and was held at ZA Gear (a local Clothing & Textile manufacturer). The event was attended by various stakeholders in the eThekwini furniture sector, representing firms that manufacture functional and office furniture in the bespoke and retail spaces. The purpose of the event was to introduce the EFC to potential cluster members as well as promote lean management practices in furniture businesses.

Participants were taught to identify wastes within their operations and implement Kaizen (small changes for the better) whilst considering customer requirements, also known as market drivers. Following the training, participants were invited to tour the ZA Gear factory and utilise what they learned to identify areas of the business where Lean principles had been implemented or could be improved on further. Participating firms were able to see Lean in practice and understand the value in creating a continuous improvement culture in order to promote a sustainable and meaningful business. Participants who represented SMMEs were able to gain inspiration from our ZA Gear hosts who shared their story of growth, from a one-person operation barely making profit to a sustainable business that employs 80 staff, all since the beginning of their clustering journey in 2012.

This event set the stage for what promises to be a positive 2019 for the EFC – a year full of exiting and relevant programmes that will develop furniture manufactures. Events to look forward to can be found on the EFC’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages. To find out how you can get involved contact efc@bmanalysts.com.