FLEXcon and MassMEP host Lean Manufacturing roundtable

Some 50 representatives of 20 manufacturing companies from Massachusetts were briefed on the Lean Manufacturing initiatives of FLEXcon Company, Inc. at a Lean Champions Roundtable hosted by FLEXcon and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP). The event was held December 11, 2007 at FLEXcon's headquarters in Spencer, Massachusetts.

FLEXcon, an ISO 9001:2000-certified global manufacturer of pressure-sensitive film and adhesive products, adopted Lean Manufacturing processes in 2003.

During the half-day session, FLEXcon representatives described how their Lean initiatives over a four-year period have dramatically reduced waste and in-plant transportation costs while improving product delivery time for the company. FLEXcon speakers also demonstrated how they use visual reinforcement – including Visual Scheduling – to help sustain Lean efforts, and explained how they created a Lean culture. Participants toured FLEXcon's manufacturing facilities for a first-hand look at the practices in action.

Roundtable attendees included representatives of a variety of industries including precision tools, curtains/draperies, footwear soles, foam tape, fiber optics, screen printing, electronic packaging, plastic injection molding, and beverages.

The event's co-sponsor, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), is part of a nationwide network of technical, manufacturing and business specialists. MassMEP offers guidance in the areas of supply chain management, enterprise management, performance-based training (including Lean Manufacturing), and technological innovation. The nationwide system of MEP centers is linked through the US Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with the common goal to strengthen the global competitiveness of US manufacturers.