Hemas Manufacturing recently clinched Silver and Gold awards at the annual Taiki Akimoto 5S Awards. It won the Taiki Akimoto Gold Award for the Best 5S Implementation in the Manufacturing Sector and the Taiki Akimoto Silver Award for the Best 5S implementation Overall beating several other local manufacturing companies.

In the running for the awards were nearly 50 organisations from the public and private sectors, and representing the Manufacturing, Service, Print Media, Banking, Apparel, Telecommunication and Hydro Power Project sectors.

Hemas Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC, is a leading player in the local personal care and home care markets, and is the first personal care products manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive ISO 9001 accreditation.

Managing Director of Hemas Manufacturing Imal Fonseka said that the dedicated and successful implementation of the 5S concept was critical to the success of the overall manufacturing process. The 5S lays a strong foundation for greater achievements such as the Kai-Zen (continuous small improvements) and TPM (Total Preventive Maintenance) concepts and helps towards achieving Lean Thinking Culture.

The prestigious Taiki Akimoto 5S Awards are presented by JASTECA (Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association) and recognize the commitment and excellence shown by organisations in implementing the 5S concept.

Hemas FMCG Director Canicuis Fernando said that implementing the 5S concept meant sustainability and was the corner stone for the improvement of productivity. “The benefits are very tangible and visible. It facilitates a more organised working environment, helps maintain low inventory levels, cut down unnecessary costs and saves money. Added to this is the high morale and enthusiasm among employees at all levels thus increasing productivity in the long term”.

The 5S concept was introduced to Sri Lanka around 1994 by Dr. Taiki Akimoto. Following his demise in 1996, JASTECA implemented the 5S concept for the benefit and development of the industry and institutions in general and thus launched the ‘Taiki Akimoto 5S Awards Competition’. The awards have been held continuously since 1996 and are now a much-awaited event in Sri Lanka’s national awards calendar.

The Hemas Group is one of the leading conglomerates in Sri Lankawith a focus on five key sectors - FMCG, Healthcare, Transportation, Leisure and Power Generation. 

Photo caption: The Winning Team