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Inspiring innovation at Multotec
Every month we feature innovations that have been implemented throughout Multotec. This month we will focus on innovations from our Injection Moulding department. But first, a reminder of how you can inspire innovation in the workplace.
How to inspire innovation:
- Innovation presents an opportunity to create meaning.
- Having a mantra creates momentum: two or three words that describe why we exist and elaborating on the innovative benefits we provide.
- We should maintain perspective on why we innovate: some percentage of total innovation could catapult us to the next level of performance.
- We could actually solve a problem bigger than we envisaged.
- We should iterate, embracing faults or errors as part of the fine-tuning and growth process.
- Leaders need to create a safe and controlled environment for experimentation and innovation to thrive.
- We have the opportunity for our discomfort (our problems) to fuel our energy to innovate.
Team Takalane Innovation: Tooling Modification of old Stubbe mould for modules
This innovation was developed by Shadrack Sibuyi, injection moulding production supervisor, Multotec Manufacturing.
We modified the old Stubbe moulds to fit in the new injection machines by drilling two holes into the mould. These moulds only fitted in old Stubbe machines and were the only moulds used to manufacture heavy-duty modules SP44/55 and 41. Previously, we always had to wait for the SM2 machine to be available to run these jobs, now we can run them on any other machines. Making new moulds would have cost the company R250 000 to R350 000 and the new innovation only cost the company R100. The company saved ± R250 000 and now have the flexibility to use the old and new machines. By having the flexibility of the tooling, we are able to run products on different machines in order to satisfy customers’ expectations.
Team Khomanani Innovation: Tooling Modification of 2 x 8.8 inserts to run flapper panel
This innovation was developed by Xolile Sheyi, injection moulding production supervisor, Multotec Manufacturing
The cost of buying a new insert for flapper = R200 000
The cost of modification of 2 x 8.8 inserts = R50 000
Cost saving = R150 000
