Staying in shape: Lean manufacturing streamlines operations, boosts quality

By Control Engineering Staff November 7, 2006
Oseco employees received training in the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques off site at Tulsa Training Center and preliminary instruction on site at the facility

Broken Arrow, OK —Applying Japanese management philosophy Southwest style is helping to streamline operations at an Oklahoma safety equipment company. Oseco (Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co. Inc.) has been incorporating lean manufacturing into its daily operations. The concept focuses on reducing waste, improving quality, and developing strong business relationships.

The lean manufacturing technique originated with auto manufacturers in Japan as the industry moved from craft production to mass production and finally to lean production. The process strives to reduce seven wastes: overproduction, waiting time, transportation, processing, inventory, motion, and scrap.

According to Sharon White, company marketing manager, the benefits of lean manufacturing training are evident. “We have been able to reduce order entry and manufacturing times and have increased production capacity without increasing headcount,” said White.

Oseco is “pull processing,” which means it produces goods based on demand instead of amassing inventory. The company says it also is demonstrating flexibility by developing new products and building business relationships in the industry.

To implement the concept at Oseco, employees received preliminary instruction on site and participated in off-site training at the Tulsa Technology Center. The company believes the process has led to improvements in the quality of its manufacture of rupture disks, rupture panels, and other pressure relief products.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel , senior editor