Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Although the company had been steadily growing and adding employees, it continued to experience high turnover, especially among entry-level employees. A.R.E. decided to contact us at the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership ( OMEP )—the official representative of the MEP National Network in Oregon—for assistance. A.R.E. had successfully partnered with us in 2005 for Continuous Improvement (lean) training and implementation support.

Through a Workforce Training Grant provided by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) , part of the MEP National Network TM , Blount enlisted the services of several training providers to focus on several key improvement areas. Blount employees participated in trainings on communication and leadership, microbial awareness, HACCP ( Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point ) certification, and coaching and team-building, as well as Train-the-Trainer sessions to develop in-house instructors. Blount increased efficiencies and reduced waste, and the company added jobs to keep pace with the boost in sales.

Almost weekly we hear about another company or organization that has fallen victim to a cyber-attack. We know cybercriminals are more persistent and we need to be more diligent about protecting information. I think in our personal lives most of us...

Based in Stearns, Kentucky, with 250 employees, Outdoor Venture Corporation (OVC) develops, designs, and manufactures commercial tent systems, military tent systems, sleeping bags, and hunting products. In business since 1972, OVC was one of the...