The event started with members of management talking about some of the exciting things they had going on, including:

• - Manufacturing, materials and sales working together to determine minimum and maximum levels of product
• - 5 minute meetings at the beginning of all shifts to discuss where they are at for production for the week
• - Recently implemented a kanban system (their lot sizes vary from 30 pieces to 250,000 pieces)
• - Results so far have seen an improvement in their on-time shipping rise from 66% in 2008 to 94% currently (which has the added benefits of eliminating overtime, less chaos on the floor, and higher customer satisfaction)
• - Profit sharing is for all employees so any cost savings that are worked on will benefit all employees
• - Attendance policy/management for 2009 requires medical notes for all absences which is enforced through progressive discipline
• - Sending all Supervisors to EMC's Lean Supervisor training program

We then went and had a tour of the plant where it was evident that they had a very happy workforce and that they followed the 5S program well (all shadow boards had the supplies on them, matrix boards were up to date and a general lack of clutter.  One of the suggestions was to paint the entire work area white (including ceilings and machinery to take the 5S to the next level).

One interesting example of 5S was that the management  decided they actually had enough space in 2 buildings (they currently run 3) to fit everything they need to effectively and efficiently do their business. This also gave them the chance to re layout one plant.  All they needed to add was a shipping bay.    Thanks again to Electrical Contacts for hosting a great event and I think I can speak for all the participants that we look forward to touring Electrical Contacts next June 2010 to see the new layout.

For more information on SIGs and other happenings in the Owen Sound Consortium, please contact Mike Baker, mbaker@emccanada.org