Tork Launches Expert Guide to Identify Performance Improvement Gaps

–Get Detailed offers strategic guidance for how workforce safety and hygiene can complement new technology and improve efficiency—

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - The Tork brand, made by Essity (formerly SCA), a global hygiene leader of professional hygiene products, has launched Get Detailed, an online platform that provides resources for manufacturing organizations on how to increase productivity by focusing on daily tasks.

The Get Detailed platform addresses how organizations can improve maintenance and cleaning by using a customized approach to the 5S model, adapted to the specific needs of manufacturers. Following The 5S Cleaning model can help managers choose the cleaning and wiping products that can affect permanent improvements in practice.

The manufacturing industry is constantly investing large sums, including a projected $178 billion in the Internet of Things (IoT), as means to improve operations, production asset management and maintenance, and field service.¹ With such large programs underway it is easy to forget the smaller processes that impact the business daily. Though often seen as secondary tasks, maintenance and cleaning account for much of the work carried out on the shop floor. These daily cleaning tasks offer meaningful opportunities for the application of new technologies to improve overall efficiency and productivity.

When launching its Get Detailed platform, Tork consulted the following manufacturing experts to provide strategic steps for implementing lasting change in the manufacturing sector:

• Dag Lotsander, Lean expert and Owner, Lean Nordic Consulting
• Knut Sandbakken, Senior Advisor Production Development, SINTEF *
• Dr. Nima Khakzad, Assistant Professor at Delft University of Technology

Most managers know that when looking for ways to improve, they should begin by taking the perspective of their workforce. But research shows, they often do not.² By not incorporating the people who do the work, efficiency tools like Lean become a management philosophy rather than a production reality.

"Many organizations spend most of their energy on methods and tools, whereas the potential of the individual worker many times is not fully realized," said Dag Lotsander, Owner, Lean Nordic.

"Research and experts stress that having the right tools and processes in place on the production floor is the most effective method to reduce accidents and boost productivity," said Tom Bergin, marketing director for the North American Professional Hygiene business of Essity. "Tork works as a partner, helping customers get those details in place and introduce change in a way that makes improvements last."

A new and improved wiping and cleaning offer from Tork

Tork products offer superior performance to rags, requiring up to 41% less solvents than rags which reduces costs, while improving working conditions. Tork exelCLEAN^® also get jobs done in up to 35% less time. Now, the products have been improved even further with:

• Improved durability: Refined to improve high-performance durability with a new, uniform construction.
• More efficient: Compressed to save up to 26% storage space, requiring less refills, and ensuring the product is there when you need it.
• More flexible packaging: Portable boxes with a reinforced handle and a larger opening to easily access cloths – even with gloves on.
• Consistent quality: The Tork logo is now printed on each cloth to make it easier for workers to know they have a high-quality, versatile tool in hand.

*SINTEF is the largest independent research organization in Scandinavia.

About Essity
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company that develops, produces and sells Personal Care (Baby Care, Feminine Care, Incontinence Products and Medical Solutions), Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene products and solutions. Our vision is; Dedicated to improving well-being through leading hygiene and health solutions. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other brands, such as Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 48,000 employees and net sales in 2016 amounted to approximately $12 billion. The business operations are based on a sustainable business model with focus on value creation for people and nature. The company has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity used to be part of the SCA Group. More information at www.essity.com.  

About Tork
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 90 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: www.torkusa.com.  

_____________________________
¹ IDC, Internet of Things Spending Forecast to Grow 17.9% in 2016 Led by Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities Investments, According to New IDC Spending Guide, 2017 
² McKinsey, "From Lean to lasting - making improvements stick", 2008

SOURCE Essity