What's it all about?

Since 2001 the RMIF has been actively helping red meat companies to improve their bottom line by teaching them to look at their operational processes and continuously improve upon them. Three projects have been used to roll out 'Continuous Improvement' so far:

• 17 Masterclasses have been carried out at processing plants
• 9 Value Chain Analyses have been done, looking at whole supply chains
• 80 PROBEs have been carried out

This extensive activity means that the pioneering work RMIF started in 2001 is now proven to deliver significant business benefits which can amount to thousands of pounds per year!

It also means that our experienced engineers are unrivalled at spotting improvement opportunities and helping companies to realise them.

We have now used the experience we have gained to come up with a 'Health Check' approach. This is a tailor-made way of spotting improvement opportunities within your company and suggesting solutions. It is quicker and simpler than ever before.

What is involved?

The model below explains how RMIF Continuous Improvement works:

The model shows:

1) Promotion: RMIF and your company come together.
2) Identifying opportunities and known issues: The RMIF has assisted companies with many issues such as prime yield, leaking packs and labour productivity. Can we help you in these areas, or do you know of other areas? Health Check: An experienced RMIF engineer will visit your company for a day to carry out an operational assessment.
3) Solution: The RMIF engineer will then report back to your management team with a summary of opportunities and a suggested improvement programme. We can also work closely with you to seek out external funding for the project where possible.

What happens when the RMIF engineer visits?

Typically, the RMIF engineer will need to speak to the following people on his visit:

• Training Manager
• Operations Manager
• Managing Director
• Line Leader in focus areas

The engineer will aim to understand your company's current position (turnover, workforce, markets, customers and current challenges). He will also review historical activity and future development plans including any constraints. The RMIF engineer will also spend time on the shop floor with departmental managers understanding local issues and observing and collecting data. This data will then be used when drawing up the summary plan. The visit is organised so as not to disrupt day-to-day operations.

What about confidentiality?

All RMIF programmes are completely confidential.

Testimonials from participants:

"In my opinion, the relentless downward pressure on prices makes this approach inevitable for those intending to compete profitably.
"Our experience of RMIF is that they are about making a practical difference to the competitiveness of the red meat industry and definitely not just another talking shop."
David Salvage, Dalehead Foods Ltd.

"The Masterclass Activity not only improved financial performance, but also helped to adjust the culture where supervision and staff worked together as a team for mutual benefit."
Richard Maunder, Lloyd Maunder