Ben Kinchen Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Joined a global expansion project, initially as MPL and then as Project Manager for the latter phases. This consisted of the design and installation of 8 class 7 cleanrooms, 2 kitting rooms and a warehouse operation within an empty facility, and then the duplication of multiple product lines from existing sites to increase global capacity. This was all carried out in very challenging conditions (pandemic and subsequent supply and financial upheavals) and to a very tight budget and timeline. I was also responsible for mass recruitment and training of operators and team leaders from interview stage through to classroom training to prepare staff for cleanroom operations.The project involved cross-functional and cross-site co-ordination both virtual and in person, creating and monitoring schedules and visual indicators for targets utilising various lean tools such as VPM, Bowling charts and swim lanes. Managing and co-ordinating various change controls related to risk mitigation, corrective actions and regulatory requirements. Multiple audits have been carried out (including both customer and ISO9001) and the facility and product lines have passed all without issue.Additional tasks related to the productivity role included utilisation of lean methodology to ensure line design was optimised, coaching and implementation of standard work, Daily Management set-up as well as identifying a productivity project funnel and general problem solving.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Tracking and reporting inventory levels against standards and initiating projects where appropriate. Presenting out to multiple groups in relation to this including senior company executives.As most of this role was during the Covid-19 outbreak, there were significant challenges, but by working closely with multiple departments I was able to keep the inventory levels in check and in line with demand. From the middle of 2020 my focus shifted more toward project work. The main project was the $1.4 million refit of lab space to create a new manufacturing area that doubled the manufacturing capacity of a high demand range. This was done on time and to budget and yielded the potential for a further 50% increase in volume from that area if required.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Led the warehousing, kitting and logistics team in Cardiff. This was a large team that had low morale at my point of accepting the role. Over the following 2 years, much effort was put in to improving the team attitude and relationships with other departments. Problem solving was also a significant part of the role in order to drive down lead times to internal customers and various quality issues. At the time of moving on the department was functioning well with standard work in place, lead times of less than a day for jobs to be kitted (down from 3), and a significant reduction in defects.During this time I also acted as the site liaison for all Brexit related issues including working trips to Sweden and meeting with local government officials, and also renegotiated our transport contracts with a new haulage company that was better able to meet our needs.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Led the site lean strategy in collaboration with site management. Trained staff, facilitated action workouts and maintained a tactical overview of site direction in relation to continuous improvement.During this time GEHC introduced the concept of lean certified lines and I led the initiative that gave Cardiff the first certified line in EMEA. The following 18 months led to a further 12 lines being granted certified status, including 3 to 'Gold' standard. Also assisted in the writing and delivery of team leader skill-based training and led several site visits from high level executives from other companies. Attended the Lean Academy in Hino.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Facilitated lean and six sigma projects for the Cardiff site. Trained staff in the fundamental concepts of lean, both on the Cardiff site and internationally.Major accomplishments include the Biology Work cell project that transformed a laboratory physically and in its way of working. This resulted in a 20% reduction in lead times, 5000 hours labour saved per year and a $1 million dollar inventory reduction. I also facilitated the re-design of the Capsules production line creating a fully functioning semi-automated line with a 30% smaller footprint and single piece flow that increased output by 25%.Tracking and trending of quality metrics, both internal and external and identifying areas of opportunity using statistics and six sigma tools (Pareto charts, statistical trending etc). Reporting metrics to site management, identifying areas for improvement and running projects to implement corrective and preventative measures as required.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Led a team of skilled operators, performance management and continuous improvement responsibilities.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Various laboratory roles