Lean Award Winner
Awards received from College and City Hall at Annual Business
and Industry Breakfast.
Awards received from College and City Hall at Annual Business
and Industry Breakfast.
VALENCIA, Ca. - The trend has been to move manufacturing operations off shore in an effort to stay competitive in today's world economy.
Pacific Metal Stampings had a different approach, training and lots of it. With the assistance of Pamela Welden, Director of the Employee Training institute at the College of the Canyons, they had over 50% of their employees attend three separate classes consisting of 140 hours in a 12 month period.
Initially, the employees were not receptive to the Lean Manufacturing classes. Don Schlotfelt, Vice President of Pacific Metal Stampings, said the company's employees asked, "Why did they need to work harder, when they already work hard."
After the second class session a change in the culture was taking place. Schlotfelt said, "I was dumfounded by the employees' positive attitude and their excitement about the changes."
Allen Glasenapp, President of Pacific Metal Stampings, was initially skeptical but was pleased with the extraordinary results of the Lean training. He said over the last 12 months the thru-put average went from 5 weeks to 5 days. The on time delivery improved by 70%, and work in process has been reduced by 40%, along with a 40% increase in capacity. "We had our doubts, but having College of the Canyons as a partner has been a very rewarding experience," Glasenapp said. "It's the best money we've ever spent."
In recognition of their accomplishments, College of the Canyons
President Dianne Van Hook named Pacific Metal Stampings as its Business Partner of the Year. President Van Hook said, "The award recognized Pacific Metal Stampings' investment in its employees and the accomplishments they achieved." The City of Santa Clarita also presented Pacific Metal Stampings with a Plaque to commemorate their achievements. Glasenapp said he is honored by the recognition but that it is his employees that deserve the credit.
Van Hook noted Pacific Metal Stampings' investment resulted in increase productivity, improved company performance and generated additional business for the company.
