Roeslein received a grant for a full day of lean training for 20 employees provided by IMEC. This interactive workshop combined in-depth classroom instruction with the simulation of a production facility. IMEC specialists introduced the basic concepts of lean manufacturing to the Roeslein team and demonstrated the tools and methodologies needed to effectively implement lean manufacturing in operations.
Working in a “simulated ” manufacturing facility, participants applied lean tools to their workstations and the entire product line. Over the course of three “turns,” this learning technique illustrated the cause-effect relationships of each of the Lean tools presented.
Roeslein participants reviewed the methodology and lessons learned from previous shifts, deciding what and how to apply while working within realistic constraints such as available resources, budgets and resistance to change.
In addition, Roeslein’s new products group recently brought lean manufacturing methods to the shop floor at its first group labeling event in Red Bud, IL. Shop floor employees from all disciplines focused on product innovation and continuous improvement. They were given blue and white labels, with white being a high priority, and asked to mark areas for improvement in the value stream.
Focusing on Roeslein’s coolant filtration system, the team spent 30-45 minutes identifying opportunities based on internal and external feedback they had received. The event allowed employees from multiple disciplines to collaborate and share ideas on how Roeslein can improve products and processes.
This lean labeling event is just one of Roeslein’s many efforts to adopt a structured approach to product development. The event allowed the Products team to gather feedback from the people who manufacture the products and have years of experience with this equipment. They listened to his ideas on improving the design for manufacturing and rationalization of Roeslein’s products. The design and field teams, who spend their time with the customer during installation and commissioning, collaborated to agree on priorities.
This event was one of many that the company’s newly formed Product group will hold to focus on the continuous improvement of Roeslein’s current product highlights. Roeslein has many leading products in production and support equipment, such as the ultraviolet bottom coater, coolant filtration system and decorator cooling system. For more information or to contact the Products group, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
