Targeted automation projects harnessing predictive analytics will help manufacturers become more efficient, agile, and flexible while maintaining great quality, believes Haemonetics SVP Josep Llorens.
Q: What is your new role and focus?
A: As the Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain, I am responsible for end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain initiatives where I oversee everything from suppliers, to sourcing, to manufacturing distribution, to logistics.
Q: What are the most pressing issues facing the manufacturing today?
A: In recent years, one of the primary areas of focus for manufacturers has been optimizing the supply chain to meet market demand and growth while simultaneously improving quality and reducing costs. This focus continues to be important, but now the manufacturing industry must also adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 to ensure business continuity and employee safety.
Q: What is the most important corporate initiative you are involved in?
A: In August 2019, we announced a multiyear Operational Excellence Program designed to transform the way we source, make, and deliver our products. The centerpiece of the program is our global manufacturing and supply chain organization and we are working to create a more modern, flexible, and efficient end-to-end supply chain.
Q: What are the most important leadership qualities for the future?
A: It has become increasingly critical that manufacturing leaders are not only able to lead, but also build strong teams across the globe. People are a key asset and leaders must go beyond managing from the office to connecting with their global teams to ensure that initiatives like lean and quality improvement are understood at all levels of the organization. This will help teams work collaboratively across geographies and approach their work with a unified purpose.
Q: What are the greatest opportunities for manufacturers over the next five years?
A: Technology continues to evolve and provides us with greater predictive insights that help us make data-driven decisions to keep up with industry growth and customer demand in addition to ensuring continuous quality improvement. Targeted automation that helps manufacturers improve processes to become more efficient, agile, and flexible while maintaining great quality is where I see one of the greatest opportunities in the near future.
Q: What is your favourite activity outside work?
A: I enjoy skiing, reading, and staying up to date on the latest global trends in politics and economics.
Josep L. Llorens
Title: Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Company: Haemonetics
HQ: Boston, Mass.
People: Approximately 3,000 Employees
Revenues: $988.5M
Industry: Medical Devices and Technologies
Web: www.haemonetics.com