Metal fabrication: workers key to economic downturn

TOWNSVILLE sheet metal and structural steel fabricator TotalFAB claims cutting waste and empowering staff will enable it to survive uncertain economic times.

At a time when many manufacturers are cutting staff numbers, TotalFAB says it grew from a small sheet metal outfit into its current status by focusing on staff.

In 2008, managing director Marcel McLeod visited Toyota in Japan to improve his knowledge and the company work environment. He claims the local manufacturing and mining industries could benefit from the stream of workers laid off from other sectors, because these industries are still dealing with a chronic skills shortage.

According to McLeod, managers should get the best out of each worker by taking their opinions into consideration. Employees become part of the company’s continuous improvement program, and key assets to reducing workshop waste.