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Implementing Work Cells
The Irrigation division of Valmont Industries in Valley, Nebraska, manufactures center pivot irrigation systems in sizes from 180 feet to half a mile in diameter. Because of their size, these systems are typically assembled at a customer's site from components fabricated at Valmont's plant.
Read MoreWork Cells Reach New Levels Of Productivity
Super Sack Manufacturing produces flexible intermediate bulk containers at its manufacturing plants in Texas, Virginia and Mexico. The containers are made from woven polypropylene and used for shipping, handling and storing dry materials.
Read MoreTeam-Based Operations Delight Customers
Visteon Automotive Systems' North Penn Plant is a manufacturer of automotive electronics. The plant is located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and supplies parts to Ford Motors and other automotive customers.
Read MoreCellular Manufacturing At Cincinnati Machine
Cincinnati Machine—A UNOVA Company, Beverly Hills, California, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of machine tools. To improve its manufacturing operation, Cincinnati Machine has embraced cellular manufacturing.
Read MoreManufacturing Cells Support Lean Production
Lantech Incorporated manufactures stretch wrapping machines and bundling systems at its plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Lantech's equipment is used in a variety of markets, including food and beverage, chemical, and health and beauty aids.
Read MoreCellular Manufacturing Can Help You
Customer demands for shorter lead-times, high quality products and lower costs have prompted many companies to install manufacturing cells in their facilities. Recently, I attended the eighth annual Work Cells Symposium, sponsored by the Institute for International Research (New York, New York), and had the opportunity to meet many people from companies that had implemented manufacturing cells.
Read MoreSimplifying Measurement Of Complex Shapes
Performing dimensional inspections on complex parts has historically been an awkward process that has involved everything from hand gage measurement to sophisticated optical systems. This process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially when holes, anchors, braces, and other items must be located precisely on surfaces with irregular shapes.
Read MoreThe Seven "New" Tools For Quality Management
Last month I discussed the seven traditional tools used in quality management. As problems have increased in complexity, more tools have been developed to encourage employees to participate in the problem-solving process.
Read MoreReviewing Seven Tools For Quality Management
We all know that quality is everyone's responsibility; however, getting everyone to participate is difficult. People need tools to help them identify quality problems and plan corrective action.
Read MoreWriting Standard Operating Procedures
Putting company procedures down on paper can no longer be avoided. With increasing requirements for compliance to quality standards such as ISO 9000, companies need to document their operating procedures.
Read MoreReverse Engineering In Practice
Last month, I described reverse engineering as a process in which parts are carefully measured and tolerances are developed prior to generating CAD drawings. The most common application for reverse engineering is the reproduction, or modification, of an existing part for which there is no formal drawing.
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