Customised house kits and building elements produced in new optimised flow

At the beginning of the year, a change programme was launched to streamline and simplify production in the house factory. It is now starting to bear fruit in the form of more flexible production flows, better efficiency and an even more appealing working environment.

- It is of course very positive, everyone involved has done a really good job, says Peter Gyllenberg, production manager at Jörnträhus.

Over the past two years, there has been an extra large interest in Jörnträhus house kits, building elements, concept houses and villas - which created new production challenges in the factory. Therefore, it has been extremely important to continuously work with changes and improvements in the production flows. During the period February-June, Peter Gyllenberg has held a change process together with the consulting company iTid.

- It's never easy to introduce new ways of working, so it feels good that it's now taking effect according to our timetable. It gives energy to the whole company," says Peter.

The main focus has been on changing the production and material flows in the different parts of the factory, with a focus on improving the working environment for staff. New team leaders have also been appointed to the two manufacturing units and the materials unit. This is to plan and control parts of the production and allocate resources between the different stations.

- "In a nutshell, we've gone from individual production to working in teams of 6-8 people, who look after an area, such as external walls. When someone in the team has finished their task, they can jump in and help where needed in the team," says Peter.

Jörnträhus is trying to achieve a more optimised flow, so that employees can focus more on the actual production and do not have to spend time on things around. It is also important to create an organisation that can maintain a steady production rate even in the event of high absenteeism, something that was highlighted during the pandemic. Closer communication is also part of the new way of working, which is why there are now pulse meetings every morning to check the situation.

- "We have now come so far that we can look at the next step, which looks like it will be investments in various aids that make it easier to work smarter in production. This could include new types of nailing tables, turntables, disc lifts and roller conveyors," says Peter.

In parallel with the changes in production, Jörnträhus houses have continued to be highly sought after.

- "We've sold so well that we know what we're going to do every day until the holidays in 2023. That, combined with the fact that our production flows look really good, means that we're optimistic about the future, despite the troubled times of recession, energy crisis and a shaky world situation," concludes Peter Gyllenberg.