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Manufacturing Innovation Blog
Powered by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Established in 1958, Micro Craft is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected producers of wind tunnel models, flight demonstrators, and specialized test equipment. Today, Micro Craft is a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a wide range of engineering experience and machining capabilities specifically designed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry.
Under direction of its new president and CEO, Micro Craft continues to rebound from changes in product volumes and its customer and product bases. The company continually seeks to redefine its company business model, improve its processes to reduce costs and improve profit margins, and acquire new sales in product lines outside its historical customer base.
“UT CIS resources are ‘top flight.’ They listen and help work the solution to fit our need. Their experience and personality really makes them a joy to work with! I have no negative issues whatsoever with the TN MEP.”
— Micro Craft CEO, Dr. Kenneth Sullivan
The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) as part of the MEP National NetworkTM, has worked with Micro Craft for over three years. The original proposal included a multi-phased approach to continuous improvement projects that would result in immediate cost savings and lead-time reduction. It also included an optional total financial business evaluation and development of a new business model and strategic plan. The company has matured through its continuous improvement education and implementation phase and is currently on a parallel path to new business development.
Results
- $1,250,000 in new and retained sales
- $50,000 in workforce investment
- $2,600,000 investment in new plant equipment due to lean projects
Could your company benefit from assistance with continuous improvement? Connect with your local MEP Center for more information.
UT CIS is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Tennessee. The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
