DURA Automotive

Dura shares best practice with Quarriers

DURA Automotive — 22/03/2017

Dura Automotive met with a none profit organisation based in Scotland called Quarriers.

Quarriers is one of the largest Social Care charities in Scotland, primarily based in West/Central Scotland however they have some Services as north as Elgin and as southerly as Wiltshire with a staff complement of circa 2000 with the vast majority being Care Staff supporting the most vulnerable members of the community. We had a very positive day discussing culture, people & skills, and how to motivate teams to get the very best out of them as well as sharing ideas and experiences.

DURA Automotive welcome members to stunning Birmingham facility

DURA Automotive — 26/06/2017

The most recent Made in the Midlands breakfast event was hosted by DURA Automotive, at their stunning facility in Birmingham, West Midlands.

DURA Automotive Systems is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of driver control systems, seating control systems, safety hardware, structural body systems, exterior trim and integrated glass systems.

DURAs event attracted over 40 representatives of the Midlands manufacturing sector to match their full capacity for the event. Plant Manager at DURA Automotive, Martin Dinsley stated: I think it has been successful, there has been a lot of good comments about DURA and the plant tour. I think people have been impressed with the facility and what we do here. Its quite nice to share that and give a little bit back, so if some people can take away some improvement ideas, that was the idea of us hosting the event.

The company are committed to sustainable development and showed guests the assets that enable them to do so, including: their Integrated Management System to monitor health & security, their environmental operations, their Lean Management toolbox to reduce waste and optimise efficiency, and their motivated and talented teams.

With a presence on more than 300 models worldwide, DURA markets automotive products to every original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the America's, Asia and Europe. They are also a supplier partner to the world's leading Tier One automotive suppliers.

Made in the Midlands breakfast events aim to facilitate networking and business opportunities between MDs and CEOs of local manufacturing companies, as Martin stated: We have made a few contacts today, where at least it gives people, as well as us, to get a second quote for the services people provide. I think it's been good, there are a range of people who we have met, who can support us with collaborative robots, waste management and press tools who we will make contact with and I think it is great for the future.

DURA engineering teams around the world are inspired to develop innovative new products and manufacturing technologies that provide a competitive advantage for their customers. From lightweight solutions that improve fuel economy and increase strength, to innovative new concepts aimed at delighting the customer, they have you covered.

DURA were hosting a Made in the Midlands breakfast event for the very first time, leaving guests immensely impressed by their company presentation and extensive factory tour. Martin advised: You have to make sure the preparation is good, there are a team of people who need to take care and walk around to make sure the factory is in the best condition it can be. Because you dont get a second chance to make a first impression!

Our next breakfast event will take place at Aston University, where businesses will learn more about developing new technologies and processes that can transform your business. You can still register your ticket here. You can still register tickets to our future events including: Summer Drinks, Techman Engineering and Heller Machine Tools here.

If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com and to register your exhibition ticket, please visit this link.

OHSAS18001 Certification for DURA

DURA Automotive — 17/11/2017

Dura Automotive has recently undergone a process to gain Occupational Health And Safety Management System 18001 Certification.

DURA Achieve ZERO waste to landfil.

DURA Automotive — 15/12/2017

We are please to announce that we have achieved our goal of zero waste to landfill 1 full year early! After excellent energy and water reductions earlier in 2017, we have now achieved our goal of ZERO waste to landfill. A big thanks to the DURA team for their continued drive for environmental excellence.

Dura Vacancy - Lean Trainer

DURA Automotive — 31/01/2017

Do you want to be part of an award winning company? Dura Automotive Birmingham is currently seeking a Lean Trainer to support our Lean Production Team. You will need the following skills to apply for this position: 6S trainer, SMED practitioner, VSM leader, 6 sigma green belt, be target driven, a good trainer of people and excellent IT skills. If you think you have the skill to join a world class organisation that invests in its people then please send your CV and a covering letter to Dowd.a@duraauto.com

DURA and ZF to share best practice in Manufacturing Operations

DURA Automotive — 21/03/2017

Dura and ZF have agreed to promote best practice in manufacturing operations.

We are looking for 3 internal volunteers from the operational structure in each organisation to undertake a best practice exchange. The idea is that these volunteers will host 3 members from the other organisation and vice versa. This exchange will done during two days in April with a follow up review.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get into another 1^st tier supplier and see first-hand how they operate with an "access all areas" mandate. Both organisations are hoping that the exchange teams will co-ordinate the activity and report on Kaizen activity following the visit. It is a really good way of raising the teams members profile within the company and gaining exposure to a different working environment.

If this exercise is successful then further exchanges can be expected later in 2017.

Dura Creates new SMED teams

DURA Automotive — 31/01/2017

Following on from superb training with EEF Dura Birmingham has created a team of quick changeover (SMED) technicians. Lead by Matt Piotrowski - Lean Technician - our teams are analysing changeovers with a view to improve uptime and productivity. We look forward to seeing the results of the training and the huge gains our teams will provide.

Dura Birmingham wins Manufacturer of the Year

DURA Automotive — 31/01/2017

Birmingham Company Dura Automotive Wins Top National Award for The Manufacturer MX Awards 2016

A Birmingham manufacturing business has won a prestigious award in the nationally and internationally recognised The Manufacturer MX Awards 2016 (TMMX Awards), sponsored by NatWest.

Dura Automotive fought off strong competition from other manufacturers across the country for the title of People and Skills, World Class Manufacturing & Sustainable Manufacturing Finalising in Manufacturer of the Year.

Lindsworth School visit to DURA

DURA Automotive — 13/10/2017

In line with its policy of community involvement, Dura recently hosted a visit of eight students & staff from Lindsworth School. The aim of the morning event was to illustrate the type of attributes and behaviours required in the modern manufacturing workplace the emphasis on teamwork and self-responsibility being paramount. With contributions from senior management as well as Operators, the students experienced what behaviours were being looked for at interview as well as some practical activities that reflect the type of work done at Dura. Commenting on the event, Martin Dinsley, Managing Director at Dura said it was a pleasure taking the students and teachers through how things work at Dura. My team were able to give a positive and honest insight we hope the visitors found useful.

Tracey Cook, the lead accompanying Teacher commented..The students were particularly receptive to the practical session where they dismantled and re-assembled the 12 piece piston. There was plenty of information given without overloading the boys. Given the needs of the pupils I think the time allocated for each task was perfect. They were fully engaged throughout the visit and both pupils and staff found the whole experience invaluable.

DURA to enter TMMX 2017

DURA Automotive — 16/03/2017

We are in!

2 Awards For Dura at the TMMX Awards 17'

DURA Automotive — 20/11/2017

The elite of the UK manufacturing community gathered on the 16 November to celebrate The Manufacturer MX Awards 2017.

A veritable whos who of UK makers, designers and engineers came together at Exhibition Centre Liverpool for the sold out gala dinner and The Manufacturer MX Awards 2017 ceremony.

Delivered in a partnership between The Manufacturer and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), The Manufacturer MX Awards is an annual occasion dedicated to encouraging and promoting competitive manufacturing in the UK, and celebrating the very best in the industry annually.

This year, the event was the culmination of an intense four-month judging period, where 28 hand-picked, experienced judges, collectively travelled over 9,000 miles in order to benchmark the companies.

Supported by several industry sponsors, including headline sponsor Santander and co-sponsor Meggitt Plc, the celebration attracted manufacturing business of all sizes, engaged in a diverse range of activities, across 13 award categories.

DURA Automotive have won the:

People And Skills,

World Class Manufacturing awards.

The company was also recognised as the finalist in:

Leadership and Strategy,

Sustainable Manufacturing,

and Smart Factory.

For full list follow the link:

https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/the-manufacturer-mx-awards-2017-winners-announced/

2016 Plug Game Champions

DURA Automotive — 08/02/2017

Dura Automotive UK held a Plug Game league in 2016. The game was played by 22 cross functional teams to learn the principles of lean such as 6S, one piece flow and KANBAN. While the game was a very good training tool, it also proved to be a big success as a team building exercise.
And the winners of 2016 Plug Game are: Stephen Lowe, Gary Emery, Taiyub Ali, Mohamed Jama, Chris Oakes and Lee Fisher. Congratulations!

Dura is launching Torch Game League

DURA Automotive — 08/02/2017

The Torch Game League will be held every fortnight to teach participants from all departments about Lean Manufacturing. The new league game is a manufacturing simulation based around assembling torches. A number of components have been modified to cause defects during assembly, therefore the simulation is ideal for reinforcing the importance of quality improvement.

Dura & Lander Automotive

DURA Automotive — 22/03/2017

Dura & Lander met to discuss beast practice in the world of Tier 1 automotive. It was a great day sharing ideas and experiences and we received some great feedback from Simon Walker - Lander Automotive Operations Manager:

"As you greeted us and walked us into the Learning Centre I thought nice Learning Centre, but nothing that I havent seen before. As you began your presentation I was prepared to be mildly interested. However, about halfway through I started to understand that the information you were presenting, and the Learning Centre, were actually delivering something entirely different which I have only seen maybe a couple of times in my career.

When you walked us out into the facility, I was actually blown away by the visual impact of the outstanding standard of every aspect, from the floors, walls, stanchions, rails, offices, machinery and equipment, Visual Management boards, to the tables and chairs! All of the preconceived ideas I had of what your facility would be like disappeared. As you showed us the improvements that the workforce have implemented themselves to the facility, such as the toilets, rest areas, and reception, and the most effective Kaizen system Ive come across (almost zero admin), I absolutely believe that you and your team thoroughly deserve all of the awards youve been given."

Golden Broom for 25 Years Service. DURA Automotive

DURA Automotive — 07/02/2017

Brian Dee joined DURA 25 years ago on 13/1/1992. We celebrated this fantastic long service achievement by holding a presentation in front of the workforce at DURA Automotive. Well done Brian. You deserve the nice watch!

DURA supporting Leaders Conference in Liverpool

DURA Automotive — 22/09/2017

DURA to Present at The Manufacturer Live Launch in the House of Commons

DURA Automotive — 20/02/2017

Dura are sending a team to talk about their experiences at last years prestigious TMMX Awards. Final preparations for the event are underway!

The Event will be Hosted by Barry Sheerman MP on behalf of The Manufacturer

Honda Green Excellence 2017

DURA Automotive — 17/11/2017

On the 14th November - Honda held a Green Excellence Award Convention. Dura Automotive was recognised for outstanding performance in Environmental Management and as a result is the winner of the Honda Green Excellence Award 2017.

TMMX Awards 2017 Finalist

DURA Automotive — 16/08/2017

The company is very proud to announce that DURA Birmingham
has been nominated as finalists in the categories below:

People and Skills
Leadership and Strategy
World Class Manufacturing
Smart Factory
Sustainable Manufacturing.

Full shortlist: https://www.themanufacturermxawards.com/2017-shortlist