Visit aims to put Kodak staff in the employment picture

MORE than 200 Kodak workers will be given a chance to showcase their expertise and skills as part of a special visit held by the Leeds Manufacturing Forum and the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS).

Kodak announced earlier this year that it is to close its Yorkshire production site. The global technology company says this is part of its “strategic, global manufacturing plan”.

Employees facing redundancy will be able to impress the management teams of over 30 local manufacturers all looking to recruit and fill positions within their businesses.

David Whiteley, manufacturing advisor at MAS, explained: “Despite the recent news, the Kodak factory in Leeds is a great example of world class manufacturing performance.

“It has increased its capacity by 50% over the last 15 years, whilst reducing lead times by 2/3, improving quality and more than doubling on-time delivery performance.

“The 200 plus staff have played an essential role in this and part of the event is designed to give them a shop window to other local manufacturers who are growing and need experienced and skilled staff.

“Our latest Barometer showed that exactly half of companies questioned are looking to recruit, so there is definitely a marketplace out there for the Kodak staff.”