Manufacturability Case Study for Increased Capacity and Cost Reduction for Eyeglass Manufacturer

Superior Optical desires to expand its operating capacity by at minimum 300% from where it currently stands on completed glasses per day. Superior Optical is considering constructing a new 14,000-square-foot facility and renovating the space in its existing manufacturing facility, thus ultimately having 44,000 square feet of production space. Their challenge is to incorporate the new facility into their current production process, improving their product flow and work processes in a way that provides the best flow and utilization of manpower and available space. The overall goal is to utilize their campus for the best product flow with a strategic plan for future growth.

With the support of MMA-MEP Center at Mississippi State University’s CAVS-E (MSU-CAVS-E), part of the MEP National Network™, Superior Optical was able to increase product throughput, reduce scrap waste, and better utilize machine and employee time. In conjunction with a facility 3-D scan, value stream mapping was used to map out specific processes in the frame/lens selection, lens shaping/polishing, and assembly from beginning to end. The team also worked to identify areas of waste. This allowed Superior Optical to competitively bid and secure additional Veterans Affairs VISN contracts.