Toiletries company scents sweet perfection: Turn‐around earns COSi top marks in P&G audit of suppliers

Abstract

Purpose

This article describes the dramatic turn‐around achieved at a UK toiletries and cosmetics plant which, once faced with closure, is now described by Procter & Gamble as one of its best suppliers, with a P&G audit score of 100 percent.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentrates on the role of training in changing the organizational culture at Creative Outsourcing Solutions International Ltd's manufacturing site at Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.

Findings

Details how, as a result of the training, the confidence of employees has increased and it has become normal practice for employees to be involved in decision making and problem solving. The company has increased its customer base and turnover, and reduced its inventory by 53 percent.

Practical implications

Demonstrates that the company has established training and learning as part of the solution and not a luxury, and has more employees who can participate in and drive improvement initiatives.

Originality/value

Shows how the training has created a solid foundation for learning on the site.

Citation

(2006), "Toiletries company scents sweet perfection: Turn‐around earns COSi top marks in P&G audit of suppliers", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 7, pp. 25-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730610708187