Continuous
improvement (Kaizen) has always been at the core of the culture and
business philosophy at Hartness International. In November 2002, the
Hartness World Class journey officially began. Buy-in was established
early on due to extensive employee involvement at all levels of the
organization. Today, the philosophies and strategies around World
Class Manufacturing are evidenced throughout the entire Hartness organization.
Though the principles are present throughout our business, they have
their most profound affect on our clients in two areas: the Hartness
manufacturing floor and in the LEAN line designs proposed by Hartness
International Integration.
World
Class Manufacturing – Deliverables
-
Training for every full time employee on World Class principles
- Establishment
of a full time “Lean Promotions Office” (LPO)
-
Nearly 200 Kaizen Events or “Pit Stops”
-
Nearly one-half of the company has participated in Pit Stops
-
Re-alignment of the Hartness plant layout to ensure less time
traveled by people and parts ensures shorter lead times
-
Centerlining of packaging equipment to ensure quick, repeatable
changeover and visual, “obvious at a glance” control
Hartness
International Integration Lean Line Design Principles –
Deliverables
- Increased
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
-
Cellular manufacturing - “Dynac-centric” line design
and simple control philosophy
-
Dynac accumulating conveyance ensures smaller footprint lines
with reduced variability and more predictable product flow
-
Quick, repeatable changeover utilizing automatically adjustable
conveyor
-
Extensive training program ensures employee high employee involvement
and subsequent “buy in”
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