Success Stories

MEP Member

Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology

Story Title

ASMC Member Providing Hands-On Help through the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology

Client Profile

Snappy Air Distribution Products, a division of Standex ADP, manufactures galvanized pipe and fittings for the residential HVAC Industry. Snappy was established in 1991 in Northglenn, Colorado, and currently employs 40 people.

Situation

Standex ADP began a company-wide initiative to implement Lean Manufacturing in all its facilities with the ultimate goal of improving quality, eliminating waste and reducing delays from fabrication to the customer. Snappy wanted to jump start its Lean effort and teach its employees the Lean method of Kaizen. Snappy Air Distribution contacted the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT), a NIST MEP affiliate, for help.

Solution

CAMT guided the employees through Kaizen events throughout the plant. A Kaizen event is an intense version of the kaizen process used to implement Lean techniques in a compressed time frame. Kaizen events are a good way to solve problems quickly to improve efficiency and productivity. As a result of the Kaizen events, Snappy was able to decrease its workspace to take on additional business without adding square footage. Snappy created 48 additional jobs and increased output on its second shift. Snappy anticipates a $400,000 sales increase.

Results

• Anticipated sales increase of $400,000.
• Created 48 additional jobs.
• Increased output.
• Improved efficiency.