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MEP Success Stories from Michigan

Lean Mentoring Leads To Significant Improvements

Reported Year
2024
Hanson International is invested in excellence, not only in their quality, but in their workforce. As an internal initiative, Hanson wanted to engage more than half of their staff with structured and efficient lean training, which would include 5S visual management, standard work and mistake-proofing.

Lean Initiatives Lead to Efficient Processes

Reported Year
2024
In July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Magline reached out to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center), part of the Michigan MEP and the MEP National Network™, to help their warehouse operations and shipping of carts. Sales had grown much more than anticipated and orders were cancelled for not meeting the expected lead times

Roman Manufacturing: Applying Lean Principles and Practices for Success

Reported Year
2023
RoMan faced significant challenges due to rapid growth and the need for effective leadership in multiple departments. The acquisition of the Power Systems product line during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected growth and the necessity to promote from within, given external labor market difficulties. The promotion of an internal staff member

SCHERDEL: A Commitment to Developing Smart Technologies

Reported Year
2023
SCHERDEL has a long history of embracing developing technologies. Industry 4.0 has brought about significant changes with an exponentially quickening timeline. With the complexity of the various Industry 4.0 nodes, it is hard for companies to determine if they are leading or lagging in technology. Gap analysis is necessary to enable companies to

COVENTRY INDUSTRIES: Using Automation to Expand Capabilities

Reported Year
2023
Coventry Industries had been working on a side capability project making optic plates for the firearms industry. This was a product that brought in good business, with an opportunity for future growth. However, Coventry didn’t have any space or individual to machine this part due to their busy workload with other core products and services. With

FLEXFAB: Preventing Offshoring With Lean & Kata Training

Reported Year
2021
Due to competitive pressure, Flexfab was considering moving some of its operations to China. This move would significantly displace many individuals from the local workforce and impact the hometown economy. To keep their Hastings location competitive, Brian Bowman, VP of Operations, reached out to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West

DYNA PRODUCTS: Striving for Company-Wide Excellence With Lean

Reported Year
2021
Following a recent move to a new facility, Dyna Products was experiencing typical business growing pains. As sales continued to increase, they worked through the strain of hiring and training new employees. Additionally, production did not flow smoothly, and they had high levels of rework. Several fabrications and processes were subcontracted to

Technology Implementation Improves Organizational Processes

Reported Year
2024
TGI needed to improve efficiency to meet increasing demand. The company recognized that adding technology would benefit them in the future but didn’t know where to go. TGI reached out to Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), part of the MEP National Network™, for a technology opportunity assessment to determine how TGI could streamline
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