New course set.

Byline: Alan Plews

Plastics firm enjoys staff training boost

Workers at a Teesside plastics company are learning to break the mould after receiving specialist training.

Looking to expand, LNP Engineering Plastics, which has a workforce of 39 and produces long fibre thermoplastic composites for the automotive, leisure, industrial, building and home appliance markets, is benefiting from bespoke training provided by the North East Chamber of Commerce.

The former ICI business, based at Thornaby, successfully sent 18 members of staff from a range of departments on a National Vocational Qualification level 3 course in engineering, productivity and technical services.

The course, delivered through the Chamber's Middlesbrough Engineering Centre, was designed to develop skills and help identify improvements to the manufacturing process.

It provided shop floor training geared to improving productivity and performance by reviewing key manufacturing equipment from every angle, examining everything from the choice of equipment through to waste disposal.

Plant manager Steve Jones says: "Organisations like ourselves are always looking to improve our productivity and our bottom line and the most sensible way to do this is by developing the skills of our staff.

"Through the Chamber of Commerce we have access to first-class training and advice which, in the long term, not only benefits our staff but also advances the company as a whole."

Operator Anthony Stephens, of Billingham, says: "The course has given everybody an opportunity to step back and review the way in which we work as individuals and as a company and to consider more effective and efficient ways of doing things.

"We used to have a set routine for each job whereas now we are more flexible in our approach."

Centre manager Bill Blackburn says: "Historically manufacturing has had a big part to play in the local economy and continues to do so.

"We can provide the type of structure support and training opportunities local businesses need to prosper in today's economic environment."

As well as running commercial training to help member businesses to grow, the Chamber also helps New Deal candidates to find employment in the retail sector.