CTC shares its expertise in operational excellence

The Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) has always placed emphasis on talent development, giving employees opportunities to gain exposure in foreign markets within the British American Tobacco Group (BAT), to prepare them to take up leadership roles in the future.

Among CTC's many achievements throughout the years, the company's excellence in operations is a key highlight which has placed it in a distinct position within the Group.

In 2014, the company provided international exposure opportunities to 10 of its management level employees.

More recently CTC has shared its extensive knowledge and experience with the BAT operation in Myanmar, supporting the team in the setting up of a factory and its operation.

The Production Manager of the Secondary Manufacturing Unit at CTC, Samitha Perera recently returned from a four-month international assignment as a subject matter expert, where he supported the team in Myanmar to set up operations.

Perera was instrumental in initiating a project which streamlined the shift patterns that would benefit the operation by increasing factory capacity by 58%, improving communication between working shifts and achieving an annualised saving of US $ 34,000.

He also helped the team to put in place Business Contingency Plans and trained staff on best practices in 5S, environmental, health and safety and waste management.

"Operational excellence has always been a key focus for us at CTC, and all our efforts towards this end have enabled us to reach the position of being one of the most efficient manufacturing units among all BAT companies in the Asia Pacific region," said Chief Executive Officer, CTC, Felicio Ferraz.

"This achievement comes through a singular focus on efficient management of all resources, which includes identifying the best talent for each and every need," he said.