Cordeel

The Cordeel Group is a family business that has grown into an international, independent construction firm, with the Cordeel family still at the helm. With around 1,000 employees, we carry out construction projects in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Bulgaria and Romania. This results in a turnover of more than €400 million per year.

We asked Vocum to carry out an analysis in our production departments in Temse. The prefab/iron centre, metal, joinery and dispatch departments together employ 180 people.

Initially, I was wary of Vocum's improvement projections. During the analysis, it was established that a potential saving of 22% was possible on the direct labour costs, corresponding to €2.3 million. During the project, it turned out that this was indeed possible, with the end result being a strong increase in productivity. Our supervisors have demonstrably started to function better and also act more proactively. All of this led to the intended savings being achieved.

Some of the things Vocum helped us with to work more productively:

• A management system was developed so that problems and deviations from clear targets are noticed in good time. This means action can be taken at the right moment and at the right level.
• Involvement on the floor was increased by involving the supervisors themselves in setting standards under Vocum's guidance. In this way, ownership of the standards was created.
• A production schedule was created, enabling the department heads to determine several days in advance how many people are needed for the planned work. With this information, they are also better able to motivate and challenge their supervisors.
• Daily coaching of the various supervisors by Vocum, both in the classroom and on the job, ensured continuous focus and support in reaching our targets.
• We apply the implemented techniques, evaluate them regularly and adjust them where necessary.