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25 mins, 1992

Can Japanese-style working practices succeed in Britain? This video looks at a factory which claims to have empowered its workforce and achieved world class productivity.

Oxford Automotives Components, part of the Unipart Group, makes fuel tanks for cars. Once upon a time it ran itself like traditional British manufacturers and had traditional problems, such as chronic “them and us” attitudes.

But in 1989 total quality management and Japanese-style working practices were introduced. Clocking in and supervisors were abolished. Team-working and quality circles were brought in. The factory was de-unionised.

Management claim these changes have not only transformed productivity but also reinvigorated the workforce, giving them a chance to have a real input into how products are made. But union leaders disagree. One worker claims that in reality shop floor morale is at rock bottom.