The long secret drink of golden fire...

摘要

Bulmers in Hereford have 65% of the UK market and export to many corners of the globe. It also appears to have more qualified brewers than a lot of brewing companies! Overseas production interests were extensive but the company became over-stretched - it was involved in misdirected NPD projects and started to lose money in a big way. In July 2003 it was taken over by brewers Scottish Courage. An internal recovery plan in Production had already led to downsizing, non-profitable SKUs had been rationalised (400 down to just 125) and a fixed cycle replenishment system 'pulled' depending on demand rather than stocking up and then having to 'push' to use the stocks. Workers had an annualised hours scheme and with flexible working they could assemble the correct calibre of people at the right time in what is inevitably a very seasonal business. The article by Alan Stokes in the September 2003 issue of The Brewer International provides an insight into a Continuous Improvement initiative.