An apprentice from Nuaire has won the Welsh Chartered Quality Institute's top award for implementing a quality and efficiency improvement programme at the company's headquarters.
Usmaan Nasir stepped up to the task. A departmental restructuring took place and, along with management training, a framework was established for effective leadership.

The 5S and Kaizen methods were used by Mr Nasir and he addressed training and resourcing issues, ensuring these were in place before changing the processes themselves. This enabled the Nuaire workforce to be properly prepared to embrace the change in culture and prevented any confusion and disruption. Establishing training facilities in the workplace also meant staff could be updated and reskilled in a familiar environment.

As a result, there has been an improvement in workflow and staff motivation at all levels within the company's Caerphilly headquarters.

Alhough the changes have currently only been implemented in production, Nuaire has plans to address other office functions such as design and administration using a similar, progressive style, according to Mr Nasir.

Mr Nasir studied for a Higher Certificate in Quality Management at the University of Glamorgan (now the University of South Wales), a course recommended to him by Nuaire.

Nuaire celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.