Newsletter Number 74
From left to right: Fantech Operations Director Brad Ackehurst, Minister for manufacturing, Exports and Trade, The Hon. Richard Dalla-Riva MLC, and editor of Curve magazine Belinda Stening
August 2012
Fantech enters The Hall of Fame In the last four years Fantech has provided sponsored training for more than 108 operational staff nationwide to Certificate III and Certificate IV level in Competitive Manufacturing. Brad said there was also a strong commitment to the training of potential and up-coming management. The company has sponsored a number of key personnel in leadership and quality management training programs which continues today. Most recently Fantech’s Market Development Engineer Daniel Tan won the ARBS Young Achiever category. Daniel has been integral to the introduction of impulse ventilation and JetVent fans to Australia and the design of the new JetVent EC series which won the ARBS Product Excellence category.
“The entire Fantech team can be proud of this achievement ...” “But Daniel is just one example; all staff are encouraged to be involved in the business operations and in reviewing its processes. This feedback and workflow mapping has resulted in a move from a paper-based system to a transparent intranet-based work order management system which has led to a dramatic reduction in lead times and improvements in order fill rates.”
Fantech joins an impressive list of innovative companies including Bombardier Transportation Australia, Ecotech and Jayco Corporation as inductees of the Victorian Manufacturer’s Hall of Fame. The hall of fame celebrates the heroes of Victoria’s manufacturing sector and includes companies that have shown a sustained contribution to manufacturing excellence and are recognised as leaders in their field, both in Australia and overseas. The Manufacturing Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held at Crown Casino on May 3, 2012 as part of an annual industry gala dinner. The Hon Richard Dalla-Riva MLC, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade announced the award winners to an audience of over 600 industry leaders.
Brad said the factory floor had been transformed with purpose-built workstations and highly efficient production cells. Modern computer stations were now throughout operations utilising the internally developed Clear Vision software. This software and the integration of the computer system has allowed the status of all jobs to be available in real time throughout the sales, manufacturing, warehousing, despatch and finance processes. “These initiatives are helping to ensure customers receive a high quality product at the right time,” he said. “Fantech would not have won this award without our staff,” he said. “While it is the company that is inducted into the hall of fame, it is the staff passion and dedication to product excellence and customer service that got us recognised, and ultimately it is our customers who benefit.”
Fantech Operations Director Brad Ackehurst said it was an honour to be nominated by South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Association (SEMMA) and a greater honour to be inducted into the 2012 Hall of Fame. “The entire Fantech team can be proud of this achievement which recognises our commitment to the highest quality Australian manufacturing, improving customer service and furthering our technical expertise.” Brad said investing in people was a key. “Staff are provided with the training, the encouragement and the empowerment to seize opportunities and make changes that improve quality and create efficiencies.”
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