Trimming production increases earnings and saves energy 

This will be achieved by, among other things, reducing change-over times and shutdowns, focusing on eliminating bottlenecks, changing production plans and reorganising work procedures.

"By mapping the processes of the company we have proven that American Tool can increase productivity by 25 per cent without the need for considerable investment. In the long term, however, productivity can be increased by 75 per cent," says COWI Project Manager Lars Ditlev Vedsmand.

This is the first time production processes have been targeted in the search for reduced energy consumption, and all production companies are expected to be able to benefit from the method.

COWI's production specialists came up with the idea for the project after the Danish Energy Agency in the spring called on companies to send in their suggestions for new energy-saving development projects. Towards the end of 2001, COWI started mapping the working methods and production processes at American Tool by, for example, interviewing members of staff and studying every single machine to document stoppage and idle time.

Whereas COWI will be responsible for the methodological aspects, the teamwork and actual implementation will be built around a management tool with which both American Tool and COWI will work. The tool comprises control of activities, time and resources, and documentation.

Published 28.01.2002