
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
54 | FABER TECHNOLOGY
We have also been awarded
ISO 14001, demonstrating our
commitment to the environment. We
ensure that as much of our waste
plastic as possible can be reground
without compromising its quality.
Moreover, in 2003 we were awarded
ISO 9000:2008, and with regular
internal audits we ensure that the
rigorous quality control routines that
these standards require areupheld.
Faber also has a team of assembly
workers with the requisite tools and
expertise to assemble products into
their finished form. We have the
machines and knowledge to produce
twin shot moulded parts, whereby the
finished part is made of two forms of
plastic moulded into the final product.
This has enabled us to manufacture
a more diverse range of products for
oursuppliers.
My extensive experience has enabled
the company to develop a unique over-
moulding service, whereby plastic is
moulded over a separate component.
For example, one of our clients asked
us to come up with a solution for
encapsulating an impeller shaft with
magnets and rings. We successfully
achieved the required end result with
a 0.4mm margin of error, and now
manufacture these 24/7 – just one of
our many success stories.
What makes our business
model successful?
It’s not immediately clear how a small
company such as ours could survive
in the current climate, where so much
manufacturing is moving overseas. The
short answer is that we work tirelessly
and operate some basic but effective
management methods:
Hands-on management team – Idiscuss
the technical requirements directly
with the customer; with my technical
expertise I ensure the machines are
running with optimum efficiency while
keeping a constant eye on quality.
Lean overheads – Our staff are
flexible and are able to cover different
processes in the business. Our office
team consists of Sue (finance director),
Christine (office manager) and Hannah
(office administrator). Sue is part-time
but is also able to work from home
remotely and cover for Christine.
Hannah will operate machines at
weekends or help out in dispatch too.
A happy working environment – We
have a very low staff turnover. The
average length of service for the current
team is 9.5 years. Every Thursday the
company provides a free lunch from a
local sandwich bar. We accommodate
a flexible working environment,
working around school holidays and
school hours for those who have
responsibilities for children at school.
In return a responsible, committed
and punctual approach to work is the
minimum we expect from our staff.
Additionally, our wages are above
average for our area, and we reward
pay rises annually in line with inflation
and with recognition of contribution to
the business.
Operating these basic principles of
management has resulted in a work
force that is reliable and willing to work
extra hours at weekends or evenings
when required. We are able, therefore,
The mould shop
New machine press
ready to go
All very
positive,
service is
excellent
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