It's quite common for drug manufacturers to borrow ideas and technologies from the automotive industry, and even to poach a few talented professionals now and then. Taking advantage of the slowdown in auto, AstraZeneca has some of Jaguar Land Rover's top Lean professionals on loan, getting part-time expertise to help it optimize production in its Macclesfield facility, which VP of Global Operations Marc Jones admits has been "fat and happy" in the past.
It's a win-win. Jaguar was only too happy to find a way to keep some of its top talent busy without losing them altogether.
AZ seems one of the more creative firms in maintaining a fit and flexible workforce, and in promoting itself to potential talent. Here's a link to a virtual tour of its Macclesfield site--nice workout facility--and to some of its other locations as well.
--PWT
