The concepts of Lean Manufacturing are alive at WEK Industries, Inc. located in Jefferson, Ohio. On December 12, 2008, an enthusiastic group of employees completed a training session titled; "5S: Preparing the Workplace for Continual Improvement." The class was facilitated by John Novak of Kent State University, Ashtabula Campus. He is also the President of KAVON International, Inc. and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
The course started out with a description of a process including the four key components (inputs, activities, outputs, and measures). The process was used as the model to describe all of the activities that organizations perform in order to fulfill their customer’s requirements. The process was also positioned as the core for continual improvement activities.
The next topic covered the identification and selection of projects and how to link them to the strategic objectives of the organization. Coupled with projects was a discussion of the teams assembled to complete the project. The various teams roles were defined and their importance to the attainment of the project objectives.
Since the 5S methodologies are at the foundation of Lean, the concept of waste was discussed, along with the "Seven Deadly Wastes", as defined by James Womak in the book "Lean Thinking":
- Over production
- Waiting
- Motion
- Transport
- Over processing
- Inventory
- Errors
The five pillars of 5S were introduced and described as one of the first steps taken when undertaking a lean project. Each of the following pillars were first defined and explained:
- Sort (Seiri)
- Set In Order (Seiton)
- Shine (Seiso)
- Standardize (Seiketsu)
- Sustain (Shitsuke)
Lastly, implementation techniques were reviewed along with a set of forms for managing the process. The Red Tag Strategy and Signboard Strategy were discussed at length.
The above pictured employees at WEK Industries should be congratulated as the new change agents within the company.
WEK Industries is one of the brands for Myers Industries, Inc. an international manufacturer of plastic and rubber products for industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial, and consumer markets.
WEK Industries produces engineered plastic blow molded components for the automotive market and also the motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle markets. Their product offerings include HVAC ducts, toolboxes, reserve tanks and air induction tubing and components. The capabilities of WEK allow the company to produce both large and small parts with precise dimensions to meet the space configurations of vehicle designs.
WEK Industries is certified to ISO/TS 16949.
The Kent State University Ashtabula Office of Corporate and Community Services is the first place people and organizations in Ashtabula County and the surrounding area think of for continuing their professional education, job training, and personal development. Kent State provides customized corporate training, open enrollment workforce development programs, professional certification and continuing education units, and consulting services for both organizations and individuals.
