Case Study: Manufacturing Technology Centre helps PC manufacturer increase capacity

An award-winning computer manufacturer has seen a 30% increase in capacity and a 53% boost in sales with the help of experts from the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Desktop PC and gaming platform manufacturer Chillblast came to the MTC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, for help in increasing capacity to meet the demand for its products.

An SME team from the MTC’s Manufacturing Support Services operation worked with Chillblast to revolutionise their workshop, maximising factory space and re-organising materials, tools and consumables. The MTC team of engineers also addressed workforce issues, defining new roles and responsibilities, improving communication across the business, introducing production targets and installing control boards.

As a result, productivity improved significantly and factory capacity increased by a third. Dorset-based Chillblast became better prepared for surges in demand and has just recorded a year with a 53 per cent increase in sales.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre helped computer manufacturer Chillblast improve productivity which led to a 30% increase in capacity / Picture: Chillblast/MTC

Chillblast operations manager, Marcin Gierkowski, said: “Everything changed when we engaged with the MTC team. There were a number of challenges. However, the MTC team was able to identify some clear, fundamental process and structural changes that I have been able to implement, and helped us look at the manufacturing process from a different perspective.”

MTC senior advisor of business transformation, Darren Massingham, added: “Supporting the team at Chillblast has been fantastic. With the business demand continuing to grow there was a real need to look at new ways to drive the processes along with upskilling the team to become more effective and  efficient. Working with the team to improve on the principles for production planning, communication, roles and responsibilities and workplace organisation, along with general process development, has allowed them to be in a greater position to understand production capacity, understand facility capabilities and upskill team members as well as developing different methods and technologies which will support Chillblast as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

The MTC is now working with Chillblast on a new project to futureproof plans for further capacity increases, as well as providing ongoing support to shape team roles and help with the induction of key production personnel.

The MTC Manufacturing Support Services team has worked with more than 500 SMEs, and at any one time has more than 150 live projects. The support to Chillblast was provided under the Productivity Pass initiative in Dorset, jointly funded by the MTC’s SME Reach programme and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s economic development team.

The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.