Energy Case Study: Sellafield's Award Winning Project and Ideas Generation Scheme

The Value of Involving All Employees in Process Improvement

Many companies seek to involve all employees in process improvement, but few do it well. Sellafield Ltd., the company that manages the decommissioning of nuclear sites wtihin the United Kingdom, may be one of the exceptions.

In October 2010, Sellafield's Capenhurst Site launched a project aimed at increasing the efficiency of the process for packaging uranium prior to shipment. It was a challenging project and the key breakthrough solution came not from an expert located in head office but directly from an employee on the shop floor. His suggestion not only led to £1.2 million in direct savings but has lead to sustained improved operational efficiencies.

For their work and results, the Waste Management Operational Improvement Project won an honorary mention in PEX Network’s Process Excellence Awards for Best Project Over 90 Days.

This case study looks at this award winning project and speaks directly to those involved about the challenges, lessons learnt and ways that Sellafield Capenhurst has been able to successfully involve employees in their process improvement activities.

Download this case study to find out more about the "Capenhurst Idea generation scheme," a scheme that is based on the principle that the staff closest to the work are the best placed to identify opportunities for improvement.

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