A focus on continuous improvement is enhancing efficiency, reducing waste and improving overall productivity at Nevel’s biogas plants in Pori and Forssa, Finland. Supported by the 5S method, the focus is helping to secure biogas availability for customers and is significantly strengthening Nevel’s approach to environmental management in biogas production.
Efficiency and productivity are expected to take big leaps forward at the two biogas plants as the company focuses on changing its culture and mindset and gathering improvement ideas from all employees to achieve greater efficiency,
“We can already see a big change,” says Erkka Laine, Head of Operations for Nevel’s biogas business in Finland. “Initial activities have focused on safety, planning how to use specific plant areas, removing unnecessary items and cleaning up.”
“The long-term focus is on continuous improvement,” says Mikael Tull, Operational Excellence & Quality Manager. “This drive for excellence involves all our employees. We are looking to improve safety and space utilisation, reduce costs, improve quality and increase employee satisfaction.”
Increased reliability of supply and improved customer satisfaction
Nevel is using the 5S approach to support its efforts. This approach offers an excellent platform as it not only creates a more organised and efficient work environment but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It is a continuous cycle leading to improved safety, quality and efficiency.
Originating from Japanese manufacturing practices, 5S stands for Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain.
The 5S principles
- Sort – Sort and remove items that are not needed in the workplace.
- Set in order – Arrange necessary items properly and systematically.
- Shine – Clean and inspect the workplace, machines and equipment thoroughly.
- Standardise – Create a process with defined roles and responsibilities.
- Sustain – Implement behaviours and habits to maintain the established standards.
From the perspective of Nevel’s biogas customers, adopting continuous improvement practices at the Forssa and Pori plants will increase their biodegradable processing capacity and secure both the production capacity and availability of biogas. The approach also enables Nevel to continuously improve its safety and environmental management practices, further enhancing the service and support it provides to customers.
More information
Hanna Viita, Director of Sustainability and Communications
hanna.viita@nevel.com +358 40 167 1755
Forssa plant.
Nevel in short
Nevel offers advanced infrastructure solutions for industry and real estate that are purpose-built and future-proof. We are committed to climate-positive growth and implement social change by creating local circular economies and promoting the transition to CO2-neutral energy production. Nevel has almost 100 industrial and more than 5,000 real estate customers, to whom it offers decentralized energy and circular economy solutions. Nevel operates more than 130 energy production facilities and manages more than 40 district heating networks. The company’s turnover is 150 million euros. Nevel employs 190 experts in Finland, Sweden and Estonia.
