Company: TSS Furniture Industries Sdn Bhd

It is a valuable tool for any organisation that wants to maximise productivity without incurring waste and many industries around the world have been incorporating lean management principles in their operations.

TSS Furniture Industries Sdn Bhd (TSS) in Johor is currently reaping the benefits of this amazing programme after taking part in the Malaysian Timber Council’s (MTC) Factory Transformation Programme (FTP).

“We are glad to have been part of MTC’s FTP. We are witnessing the positive effects of this programme every day on the factory floors,” said TSS’s Shipping Executive Ms. Dorothy Lok.

The FTP is a collaborative effort between MTC and SIRIM STS Sdn Bhd where the latter is the consultant.

The training covers Green 5S, Lean Management, Innovation Management and Quality Tools & Techniques with audits conducted by SIRIM.

TSS, which was set up in 2003, is an exporter of beautiful, high-quality dining sets, counter height sets, parson chairs, accent chairs, bar and bedroom sets.

Famous for its dining sets, TSS exports its products to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America as well as the Australasia regions.

With over 130 skilled workers operating more than 100 units of advance machinery, TSS wanted to expand its production capacity which had a monthly turnover of 70 containers that are shipped worldwide.

“Our manufacturing cost was on the rise, and we did not want our consumers to bear these charges entirely,” said Lok.

“The FTP enabled us to identify and eliminate waste, streamline our production lines and optimise efficiency which have resulted in improved lead times and increased profits,” she said, adding that morale among the staff in the 2.4-hectare factory site has also changed.

“The factory setting is much cleaner, safer and more organised, creating a nicer working environment for our workers, who are now much more diligent and disciplined,” said Lok.

She added that TSS is very pleased with the outcome of MTC’s FTP which has brought about changes they never anticipated.