Bath-based consultancy Suiko, which works with blue-chip clients on lean management techniques, has been acquired by Turner & Townsend, the global construction and programme management consultancy.
Suiko was founded in 1997 by Andy Marsh, a former captain in the Royal Engineers who had also worked in a management consultancy and in Unilever. 
The company, which takes its name from the Japanese word for ‘performance’ has taken an innovative approach to introducing operational excellence and has worked with global manufacturers and household-name retail brands, including Coca-Cola, Nestle and Pizza Hut.
It has adapted Japanese lean manufacturing methods including teamwork, challenge, continuous improvement and ownership. Many of its consultants have worked for Japanese companies, particularly in the automotive sector.
Turner & Townsend said the acquisition would enable it to broaden its world-class programme management expertise, and help its clients to embed lean thinking in the delivery of their capital projects and their ongoing operations.
Turner & Townsend CEO Vincent Clancy said: “The acquisition of Suiko is a step change for both Turner & Townsend and the construction industry.
“The integration of lean expertise into our business strengthens and differentiates our offering, and will also drive progress in how capital programmes are delivered.
“With UK government figures revealing in April that levels of productivity in construction have improved by just 1.4% in the past two decades, best practice has taken the industry only so far. We believe now is the time to embed lean techniques into the way things are done in construction.
“Suiko’s track record in implementing lean, coupled with its reputation for helping its clients build their internal capability to drive sustainable results, makes it a perfect cultural fit with Turner & Townsend.”
Suiko managing director Andy Marsh added: “Suiko built its reputation through the delivery of sustainable efficiency improvements in manufacturing and diversified into a range of sectors including construction.
“While we will continue to work with our current clients, we believe construction is now ripe for the benefits of lean.”
Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
