Training helps to mop up inefficiencies at SCA Hygiene Products : Buildings and workshops converted into classrooms for business improvement center

Purpose – The paper aims to detail how UK toilet‐roll and kitchen‐towel manufacturer SCA Hygiene Products, under pressure in a price war, introduced site‐wide training that has helped it to increase productivity by 70 percent. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the factors that gave rise to the training initiative, the various forms the training took, and the outcomes. Findings – The paper reveals that standard operation procedures were written to ensure that things were done consistently across the site. Every learner was given a personal‐development plan. Individual team members now have the confidence and ability to work with less supervision, enabling team leaders to focus on business requirements and mill‐wide objectives. Practical implications – The paper reveals that the training, combined with investment in new machinery, has helped production and productivity to reach record levels. This step change is the payback from having trained people operating the latest equipment. Originality/value – The paper highlights the importance of the company's own on‐site business‐improvement center, which it created by refurbishing buildings as workshop and classroom facilities.