Global construction and programme management consultancy, Turner & Townsend, has acquired operational excellence specialist, Suiko in a move that paves the way for it to extend the benefits of lean thinking to companies in the construction sector.
According to the company, the acquisition will enable Turner & Townsend to broaden its leading programme management expertise, and help its clients to embed lean thinking and operational excellence (OpEx) in both the delivery of their capital projects and their ongoing activities.
For nearly two decades, the Bath-based Suiko has been at the forefront of applying lean management techniques across a range of industries.
Founded in 1997, the company takes its name from a Japanese word for ‘performance’ and specialises in fostering OpEx by helping its clients to increase performance and profitability.
Its innovative approach has seen it deliver efficiencies for a string of global manufacturers and household-name retail brands, as well as several leading construction contractors.
CEO of Turner & Townsend, Vincent Clancy explained: “The acquisition of Suiko is a step change for both Turner & Townsend and the construction industry.
“The integration of lean expertise into our business strengthens and differentiates our offering, and will also drive progress in how capital programmes are delivered.
“With UK government figures revealing in April that levels of productivity in construction have improved by just 1.4% in the past two decades, best practice has taken the industry only so far. We believe now is the time to embed lean techniques into the way things are done in construction.
Clancy continued: “Suiko’s track record in implementing lean, coupled with its reputation for helping its clients build their internal capability to drive sustainable results, makes it a perfect cultural fit with Turner & Townsend.”
Andy Marsh, managing director of Suiko, added: “Suiko built its reputation through the delivery of sustainable efficiency improvements in manufacturing and diversified into a range of sectors including construction.
“While we will continue to work with our current clients, we believe construction is now ripe for the benefits of lean.”
