Categories

Open to any manufacturing company or equipment supplier.

This award will be given to those that have demonstrated an innovative and integrated approach to industrialising construction by creating a manufacturing model that embraces the latest approaches to mechanisation, automation and robotics or that have invested in lean manufacturing operations to increase productivity.

This can be a description of what makes your manufacturing processes stand out from your competitors – highlighting any unique technologies, materials handling or production methods – including approaches to Kaizen and world-class manufacturing approaches that may be seen in other more industrialised sectors. This can be by employing digital manufacturing techniques and tools, process flow, 5S techniques, employing principles of the circular economy or factory-based precision to meet the challenges of delivering product in the most optimised and sustainable way.

Entry Questions:

1. Describe the ways in which the manufacturing element of the business is innovative and original and took timber production technology to a new level.

2. Demonstrate how circular economy principles and energy efficient considerations were implemented where appropriate, including materials optimisation, waste reduction, resource and energy efficiency and wider sustainability benefits. Explain how this approach was key to the manufacturing approach and success.

3. Detail what new manufacturing and engineering techniques and problem-solving attitudes were applied to the production process/facility design and how automation technology fitted into this, e.g. use of digital construction tools and techniques/software to help manage complex tasks. Provide any details on equipment R&D processes, pre-production activity and process realisation to improve your manufacturing activity.

4. Demonstrate clearly how your manufacturing strategy and production facility implementation has met and exceeded the business expectations and delivered value for money and how the finalised production processes deliver innovative and original engineering techniques outside of the ‘norm’.

5. Give FIVE key reasons why your lean manufacturing approach is exceptional and should be considered as the best example this year. Can your manufacturing processes be seen as a future example for others to follow, has the adopted technology provided a unique and innovative manufacturing operation compared to competing manufacturers? Summarise how you see your company shaping the future of structural timber manufacturing and how you are focused on long-term goals and contributions to the industry?