Turner & Townsend moves to pioneer lean programme management

Turner & Townsend has announced its intentions to pioneer application of lean management techniques in support of project programmes in construction markets, with acquisition of the business operations specialist Suiko.

The UK based consultant Suiko (a name derived from the Japanese word for performance) has applied lean management techniques to improve the operational cost efficiency of companies working in the retail, manufacturing and construction sectors. According to Turner & Townsend, its acquisition of Suiko will position Turner & Townsend as the first independent consultancy to offer lean expertise at all stages of project delivery and operations.

Clients will be able to embed tried and tested lean management techniques right from the start of capital programmes, the company says.

“The acquisition of Suiko is a step change for Turner & Townsend," said T&T's chief executive, Vincent Clancy (pictured). "The integration of lean expertise not only strengthens and differentiates our offering, but will also drive substantial progress in how programmes and projects are delivered. 

“With UK Government figures revealing in April that levels of productivity in construction have improved by just 1.4 percent in the past two decades, best practice has only taken the industry so far. We believe now is the time to truly embed lean techniques into the way things are done in the industry.

Suiko managing director, Andy Marsh, added: “Suiko and Turner & Townsend have a history of working together successfully, which shows the compatibility of our organisations and confirms the appeal of our combined expertise.

“Suiko built its reputation through the delivery of sustainable efficiency for a wide range of global brands, making us natural partners with Turner & Townsend. Our decision to join forces now is about the right fit, the right product and at the right time.