Altadis, with nearly four centuries of history, is a landmark name in the tobacco industry and part of the British conglomerate Imperial Brands. With a presence in over 120 markets and a workforce of 26,000, the company is undergoing a transformation. In this interview, Javier Fernández Sagredo, Factory Manager at Altadis, explains how the company has tackled the challenges of an ever-evolving industry—highlighting Lean implementation as a key catalyst for improving competitiveness and sustainability.
The current landscape of the tobacco market
“We operate in a sector with a clearly declining sales trend. In this scenario, we need to become increasingly competitive to capture what remains of the market.”
Fully aware of this dynamic, Altadis chose to adopt the Lean System as a response to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of continuity in previous improvement efforts.
Key milestones in Lean implementation
Lean implementation at Altadis followed a methodical and participatory approach.
The rollout began with a briefing for all staff, outlining the project’s scope. This was followed by a series of structured phases with clearly defined steps to guide the pilot implementation.
One standout achievement has been the upward flow of information from the shop floor to senior management. This has strengthened informed decision-making and promoted transparency throughout the organisation.
What Lean has delivered at Altadis
The benefits of Lean implementation at Altadis are undeniable. Javier Fernández Sagredo highlights that the company has improved its competitiveness—and, in doing so, secured the future of the factory.
“Thanks to Lean, above all, we’ve secured the future of the factory by boosting our competitiveness—particularly through improved productivity, cost reduction, and waste elimination.”
These achievements are a testament to the company’s strong commitment to operational excellence and efficiency.
Working with SGS PRODUCTIVITY
A key factor in the success of Altadis’s Lean transformation was the decision to partner with SGS PRODUCTIVITY.
“We chose SGS PRODUCTIVITY because the implementation model they offered was exactly what we were looking for.”
This strategic partnership allowed Altadis to tailor the Lean System to its unique reality and achieve outstanding results.
In Summary
The story of Altadis is proof that a company with deep historical roots can adapt and thrive in a shifting market. Its commitment to the Lean System has not only ensured future competitiveness but also laid the groundwork for greater efficiency and sustainability.
By improving competitiveness, Altadis has increased productivity, reduced costs, and cut waste. The decision to partner with SGS PRODUCTIVITY was instrumental in adapting the methodology to the company’s specific context and ensuring the success of the implementation. With a focus on process optimisation and active employee engagement, Altadis is building a stronger, more competitive future in the tobacco industry.
Meet Javier Fernández Sagredo, Factory Manager at Altadis
Javier is a Chemical Engineer from the University of Valladolid and holds a Black Belt certification from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). He currently serves as Factory Manager at Altadis Cantabria, with extensive prior experience in the chemical industry. He is highly skilled in manufacturing, process engineering, Lean Sigma, and continuous improvement.