July 15, 2010

Bemis Corp. in Shirley MA

Another well attended and valuable “go see” meeting.  The “pull/flow” subject was embellished by a discussion of issues created by Demand outpacing Supply.  Rapid gains or losses of business puts incredible stress on any organization.  A broad and deep foundation of lean, at all levels of the company is critical to managing this chaos.

Attending companies included:

Unistress

Mass Dept of Transportation

Madico

Deluxe

Coherent

Tidland Corp

EIS Wire and Cable

Precision Autocraft

As we are all involved with continuous improvement at our companies, our network is obligated to do the same.  I have had some suggestions that make good sense to me:

1.  Have the hosts spend less time on what they make or do and more time on how they are using lean tools.

2.  Hold events focused on administrative kaizen

What are your thoughts?

Do you have other suggestions for improvement?

Where - 1 Echo Dr, Reedsville, PA 17084-8603 (717) 667-5000

When – Thursday November 5, 2009 from 8:30 till noon

What – Standardized work and new renovations

Why – The first time standardized work has been a topic.   Standardized work can be very difficult to establish and even more difficult to sustain.  Come see and hear about Philips experience.

Who – Three per member company are invited.

What an amazing change.  Insinger’s recovery from their devastating fire is complete.  Respect for employees was clear in the new lunchroom, conference room, offices and plant (lighting especially)  Great job Insinger team and thank you for your hospitality.

Attending:

Philips Ultrasound

Adhesives Research

Clean Burn

Rose Corporation

Bollman Hat

Dave Kutz

guests: Unisource

Where: 6245 State Road, Philadelphia, PA

1-215-624-4800  network contact David Begley

When: Thursday, September 10, 2009 beginning at 8:30am  ending Noon

What: 5S is difficult to sustain, add in a devastating fire and the delays associated with rebuilding and we have a compelling story of dedication to each other and continuous improvement.

Why: Our network exists to create and share learning, to see and hear at “gemba” (the real place) and to support the process and people working daily on continuous improvement.

Who: Max two attendees per company

The networks originally scheduled Intro to Continuous Improvement class to be held 8/6 at Reading Area Community College has been postponed until Sept/Oct.

I broke my right leg and am physically incapable of doing the training until Sept/Oct.

I am working with RACC for a reschedule time and date and will inform you as soon as they are established.

I apologize for any problems this may cause you.

Where – Reading Area Community College, 10 S 2nd St, Reading, PA 19603

When – 8:30am to 4pm

What – GBMP’s Introduction to Continuous Improvements (with legos)

Why – Strengthen your team fundamental understanding of waste identification and elimination

Who – 3 per company

Questions – Dwight@Dwightbowen.com or 717-368-5962

Where: Remcon Plastics  208 Chestnut StreetReading, PA 19602-1809 Directions

1-610-376-2666 x6917  network contact Rich Maguire

When: Thursday, May 14, 2009 beginning at 8:30am  ending Noon

What: 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 have been challenging for Remcon.  The topic will be lessons learned during this period.  Perhaps a discussion comparing the “succeed or fail” model to the “succeed or learn to succeed” model will occur.  In addition, Mr. Toast, GBMP’s President Bruce Hamilton will participate in a 20 to 30 minute conference call.

Why: We can all learn from other Lean practitioners.  This continuous improvement stuff is about continuously learning, afterall we are only successful when we learn and apply what we have learned……plan-do-check-adjust

Who: Max two attendees per company

Details to follow:

Thursday February 19, 2009 8:30am to Noon at Rose Corporation, Reading PA

Thursday March 12, 2009 8:30am to Noon at Adhesives Research, Glen Rock, PA

Thursday May 14, 2009 8:30am to Noon at Remcon Plastics, Reading, PA

Thursday September 10, 2009 8:30am to Noon at Insinger Machine, Philadelphia, PA

More to come