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Case Study

Bison
Forterra.

Quality Standards

Bison Forterra, a leading manufacturer in the construction sector, partnered with Handwells to enhance quality standards across its operations. Over the past 12 months, we have guided and supported their teams to embed best practices, optimise processes, and achieve consistent excellence in both documentation and manufacturing performance.

Bison
Forterra

About the job.

Handwells introduced a structured framework for quality documentation across Bison Forterra’s production lines. Key actions included:

  • Standardising templates for reports, work instructions, and records.
  • Implementing version control and approval workflows to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
  • Delivering staff training so teams could produce clear, audit-ready documents aligned with regulatory and internal standards.

Impact

Bison Forterra now enjoys streamlined record-keeping and stronger compliance across the organisation.

Manufacturing Process Optimisation

Our specialists worked closely with engineering and operations teams to refine manufacturing
processes:

  • Mapping end-to-end production workflows 
to identify bottlenecks.
  • Applying lean manufacturing techniques 
to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Embedding quality checkpoints into processes, ensuring issues are detected early and 
resolved quickly.

Outcome

These initiatives have led to improved productivity and consistent output.

Inspection Planning & Execution

To improve product reliability, Handwells designed a comprehensive inspection planning system
tailored to Bison Forterra’s needs:

  • Developing inspection schedules aligned with critical control points.
  • Providing digital tools for real-time monitoring and reporting.
  • Establishing clear escalation paths for addressing variances.

Result

Inspections now drive proactive quality assurance, fostering a culture focused on prevention
rather than reaction.

Handwells have elevated our performance

Working with Handwells has transformed how Bison Forterra approaches quality across its manufacturing operations. Their team brought structure, clarity, and practical know-how that reshaped our processes from documentation through to inspection.

Quality Management System (QMS)

Handwells supported Bison Forterra in evolving its QMS into a modern, performance-focused
platform:

Aligning policies and procedures with ISO standards and customer expectations.
Creating an internal audit programme to continually refine practices.
Coaching leadership and front-line teams to embed continuous improvement.

Benefit

The new QMS is robust, user-friendly, and seamlessly integrated with day-to-day operations.

Results & Benefits

Through this partnership, Bison Forterra has achieved:

  • Clear, well-managed documentation across all production areas.
  • Greater efficiency and consistency in manufacturing.
  • Reliable inspection routines enabling early issue detection.
  • A forward-looking QMS driving ongoing improvement.

Handwells is proud to have helped Bison Forterra elevate its quality standards, proving how expert guidance and collaboration can turn quality into a competitive advantage.