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Lean Training and Implementation Helps Create Impacts for In the Potters Hand

With the help of: Impact Dakota

About

Founded in 2000, In the Potters Hand is a family-owned, farm-based business with facilities located in Wildrose and Crosby, North Dakota. Their unique allergen-free products were born of necessity after a pesticide poisoning caused severe health problems for the family. Coping with these health problems led them in a diligent search for quality, natural, fragrance-free replacements for the many perfumed and synthetic products they could no longer use. Disappointed with the natural products they could buy, they eventually developed their own natural skin care line, bath products and insect repellent alternatives. 

The Challenge

In the Potters Hand had an opportunity to expand and grow their production business and add retail space for their products. The company in the process of moving facilities from Wildrose, ND, to a site location in Crosby, ND. Potters Hand reached out to Impact Dakota, part of the MEP National Network™, for support optimizing layout and plant flow for operations. Moving into a new facility can have several challenges of what is needed and where to begin.
In the last few years, we have utilized multiple programs through Impact Dakota. We have not only been shown processes that we can implement but steps to grow and improve our business. Impact Dakota has not only given us tools, procedures, and contacts specifically for the goals within our company but also the confidence that we can reach those once lofty dreams!
— Amy Shaw, Business Manager

MEP's Role

Impact Dakota provided training in lean manufacturing principles and recommended opportunities for improvement utilizing 5S lean principles. Impact Dakota consultants also assisted in using space for inventory for FIFO (first in, first out accounting methods).
Created January 31, 2023