REFOCUS: PAINTSHOP SHOWS ITS MAGIC TOUCH FOR QUALITY

Over recent weeks, Solihull’s Paintshop has been getting to grips with quality and identifying where transformations can be made. Whether it’s looking at the toiletries we use on a day-to-day basis or how we touch the vehicle during processes, no stone has been left unturned.

A team in the spray booths, made up of Group Leaders Kyle Toy and Adam Surplice, along with Sprayers, Craig Basten and Bryan Bourke, have been giving quality their magic touch over the past weeks – all focused on wet contact. 

So what is wet contact? Adam explained, “Wet contact is when, as part of an associates process, they have to touch the vehicle when the paint has just been applied. It happens on quite a number of processes, especially when doors need to be opened.”

As our vehicles work their way through the Paintshop, bonnets are lifted and doors opened to gain access inside. Adam continued, “we can’t automate these processes which means doors and bonnets have to be opened by hand. With wet paint around, you’re likely to leave a tiny wet contact mark.”

But even these tiny marks weren’t acceptable to the perfectionists in Paint. 

The spray booth team carried out data analysis to understand where they experience the highest levels of wet contact. Working with the lineside teams, they found new ways to open and close doors with minimal contact. 

Adam explained, “We managed to improve the level of wet contact by over 60%, meaning less rework and improved quality. Everyone involved in the spray booths has been really engaged and we want to thank everyone who has helped out.”

Not content with just 60% improvement, the team is now on the hunt for where they can make more transformations and ensure a perfect paint finish for our customers. Well done to the team!

How are you transforming quality in your area? Share your story with us by emailing Solihull@jlr-colleaguescommunications.com.

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