Vermont Precision Tools incorporates Leader Standard Work into their management Lean systems

Since 1968 Vermont Precision Tools, Inc. (VPT) has provided the highest quality products and services for the metalworking industry including aerospace, automotive, cold heading, cutting tool, die casting, injection molding, fastener, medical tooling, powder metal, stamping, and tool and die. VPT operates out of its 107,000-sq.-ft. building with 200 full-time employees at its Swanton, Vermont, headquarters and employs an additional 115 at its Franklin, Kentucky, subsidiary, Vermont Thread Gage.  VPT is one of several family and women-owned manufacturing facilities in Vermont.

VPT launched their commitment to learning and applying leader standard work (LSW) in their Vermont facility in early 2018. At this time, they knew they wanted to move toward consistency across their facilities in order to achieve their business objectives, gain the cross-company impacts and organizational cohesiveness in language, behaviors and culture. Having worked successfully with VMEC, part of the MEP National Network™, on several lean suite projects over the last 20 years, VPT contacted VMEC to assist in this endeavor. 

Following a similar approach to the LSW activity in 2018 and 2019 projects, VMEC worked with VPT to set the tone, challenge and plan to implement and establish support for LSW concepts across VPT. Six VPT leaders were identified to participate in the training and implementation in support of company goals. This project decreased lead time and on-time delivery rose to over 95% while improving their tiered lean management system.