MAS cooks up review of business for bakery manufacturer

11th Feb 2009

For family-owned food manufacturer, Chough Bakery, a timely visit from the MAS to carry out a detailed review of the business looks certain to help them maintain operational performance, profit margins and enhance customer service levels.

The award-winning bakery, based in Padstow, produces a range of Cornish specialities including pasties, saffron cake and scones. The products are locally renowned with the bakery priding itself on its quality standards and service.

In August 2008, Chough produced record daily sales figures, showing a seasonal peak in activity as a result of tourism during summer months. However, Chough realised that fulfilling similar growth in 2009 as well as servicing existing accounts and meeting new business targets would see a substantial impact on operational requirements as well as increased pressure to sustain quality, cost and delivery performance.

Having worked with the MAS in the past on other lean improvement projects, Chough contacted Cornwall MAS specialist, Martyn Pearson, to spend a period of time observing activity in the bakery and carry out a detailed review.

Martyn Pearson said: “After a period of observation and discussion with key members of staff, it was possible for me to gain a further understanding of the culture and current practice of the business.”

Martyn made a number of key suggestions including a review of roles and responsibilities within the team, ensuring that highly skilled bakers were not solely responsible for baking, but also duties such as cleaning of machinery. This more structured approach to working each day would relieve potential capacity issues and also meet daily schedules.

With prospective opportunities for growth in mind, a review of existing equipment was also undertaken to potentially prevent the expense of purchasing unnecessary machinery. Further recommendations included general attention to the current space, which would enhance chances of meeting anticipated demand levels, and an additional loading table in the factory to avoid disruption in the baking area.

Elaine Ead, managing director of Chough Bakery, said: “The detailed review undertaken with the MAS, which allowed us to clearly define roles and responsibilities and review equipment and capacity issues has proved invaluable in helping us prepare for the year ahead. We are looking forward to working with Martyn and using his expertise to carry out the recommendations he has made.”

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