EAST is meeting West at a manufacturing plant in Newton Aycliffe where 70 shopfloor staff are learning the secrets of Japanese working practices.

Press setter operators at Tallent Engineering have embarked on an innovative training drive that incorporates the improvement principles of Standard Operations, Kaizen, 5S and Kanban.

Aimed at high volume manufacturers and suppliers to the car industry, the ASSA productivity improvement course involves interactive workbooks and on-line materials designed and delivered by ASSA for learndirect.

This practical approach to learning helps to remove the mystery surrounding the methods incorporated in Japanese working practices.

Michael McGarrell, learning facilitator with ASSA, is taking training directly to the region's workplaces.

He said: "Terms such as Poka Yoke and 5S might sound like a different language but they are tried and tested methods that are very relevant to any North-East business.

"It helps staff to work more effectively and efficiently by addressing issues such as workshop management, team working and health and safety."

Tallent has set aside a dedicated training room, and given staff time to complete the ASSA course.

Team leader Shirley Longworth said: "Tallent designs and manufactures chassis structural products for automotive companies around the world so our workshops are constantly running.

"Any training needs to be tailored to fit around shift patterns and the demands of high volume manufacturing.

"The ASSA programme is flexible so that each learning element can be completed in a three-hour block.

"The training is extremely beneficial. It enables you to analyse how you work and identify opportunities for practical improvements in the production process."

The ASSA productivity improvement programme is delivered in the workplace through flexible learning workbooks with additional support from ASSA's mobile tutor service.