FOR more than a century, East Lancashire has been at the forefront of innovation and technological development.

That drive for invention and improvement continues today, supported by organisations such as Nelson-based Northern Technologies.

Innovation, though, is not just about the big new idea.

More often, it is concerned with improving the way companies operate.

At Collective Packaging, a concerted drive to improve processes and eliminate waste has resulted in a leaner, more efficient operation that has enabled the business to cope with an increased workload.

The Blackburn-based company employs more than 120 staff, offering a specialist packing and fulfilment service for clients throughout the UK including CD manufacturers and direct mail firms.

Director Keith Morris said the company had become so busy that the management decided to look at the quality and speed of operations.

With help from Northern Technologies, Collective has dramatically improved many areas of its business, including production, capacity, costs and the workforce.

Stock levels have been reduced by 50 per cent and staff are working smarter.

Efficiency improvements have cut the labour costs of every job leaving the factory.

The benefits followed a detailed review by specialists from Northhern Technologies, Paul Bateson and Steven Manojlovix.

They looked at all aspects of the business, including staff roles, production levels, staff training and work area layout.

Performance measures were introduced and more floor space was created with the adoption of lean tools and techniques.

Paul Bateson said the company had reduced wasteful activities. "Collective can now cope with its higher workload much better," he said. "We have implemented changes that will result in substantial improvements.

"Companies benefit from process improvements such as these because the results have an impact directly on the bottom line.

"Efficiency is improved and costs are reduced."

Keith Morris said the changes had resulted in real benefits.

"Steve and Paul spent a lot of time with staff on the shop floor," he said.

"They encouraged them to adopt better working methods which have given them a feeling of value and achievement. It has been a big success for us." SPECIALISTS:From left: Paul Bateson, Steven Manojlovic, Keith Morris, Moshin Bootwala