“Continuous improvement is essential for modern businesses to thrive rather than just survive.” This is what Darren Ladd states on the importance of KAIZEN. SEKISUI Europe talked to the member of the KAIZEN committee and gained insights into his daily work and private life.
Darren Ladd has been in the enzyme business for 33 years now. After his studies of biochemistry at the University of Sussex in the UK he was working for Genzyme Diagnostics which became SEKISUI Diagnostics in 2011. Since then, he has worked in the quality control department, the technical support department as well as in manufacturing. Today, he is director of the high-volume production at SEKISUI Diagnostics. In this role, he is responsible for all manufacturing activities carried out at the enzyme plant in Kent, UK. In addition to this, Darren also holds responsibilities as a European plant manager.
But this is not all. Darren also sits in the European KAIZEN committee that was formed in 2018 and aims at forwarding KAIZEN activities all over Europe.
Why do you think KAIZEN activities are so important?
Continuous improvement is essential for modern businesses to thrive rather than just survive. Every employee has the ability to bring new ideas and suggestions for improving the efficiency and productivity as well as the quality of our operations. Ideas simply need to be raised in order to be discussed and potentially realized. I have seen many KAIZEN projects in the last years and it is great to see how motivated people are when they are involved in a project and can make a difference.
Darren enjoys his role as KAIZEN committee member – here during a coaching at the convention 2018.
What would you recommend to someone who is interested in KAIZEN?
If you are interested in KAIZEN, get in touch with colleagues that have been or are involved in KAIZEN. Of course, you can always contact me as member of the KAIZEN committee. If you already have an idea for improvement, reach out to individuals who can help turn your thought into reality. Everyone is able to contribute an idea. KAIZEN really is for everyone and essential for our everyday work.
What does a typical work day as Director High Volume Production look like?
Every day is different. We manufacture 30 different products using micro-organisms to produce enzymes, which we then purify and sell to our customers who use them in the manufacture of clinical diagnostic test reagents. We have many successful days and occasionally more challenging days, where technical issues relating to the biological nature of what we do give us challenges to overcome. We are a highly regulated business, which means that there is a lot of documentation and record keeping that needs to be maintained. In my role, I am responsible for ensuring that all manufacturing activities comply with those regulations, whilst manufacturing our products in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
What do you like most about your job?
There are several aspects I really like about my job. I really thrive on the variety of everyday activities that my job provides me to. The interaction with the great people here is also a huge stimulus to me. And, not to forget, I am really proud of the way that my team members develop and grow as individuals within the team environment as their careers develop.
Darren and his wife enjoy travelling and exploring different places all over the world.
Darren and his wife enjoy travelling and exploring different places all over the world.
Darren and his wife enjoy travelling and exploring different places all over the world.
Darren and his wife enjoy travelling and exploring different places all over the world.
How do you relax / find the balance between business and private life?
I like watching sports, especially soccer and rugby union, and of course cricket! I am also a music lover, and I listen to a wide variety of musical genres. I enjoy going to see bands and orchestras live too, but I don’t do this as much as I would like. I do enjoy travelling to new places, whether they are in the UK, Europe or beyond.
If you did not have to work, how would you spend your free time?
If I did not have to work, I would enjoy more of my hobbies I just mentioned: Watching sports, listening to music and seeing bands live. In addition, I would continue to travel and take more time to experience different cultures and landscapes.
