SUCCESS STORIES
Here are some examples of how WVMEP has helped companies improve their competitiveness.
| • Collaboration Brings Soft Landing |  |
| • Diagnosing & Treating ISO Readiness |  |
| • Lean Manufacturing Assistance Helps to Package Success |  |
| • Duplicating Success Through Lean Manufacturing |  |
| • Navigating Unfamiliar Waters |  |
COLLABORATION BRINGS SOFT LANDING TO FOAM & RUBBER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURER
Challenge:
Rubberlite, a Huntington manufacturer of cellular foams and rubber products, needed to upgrade its operations from an old six-story building with long, narrow rooms to a state-of-the-art facility. Rubberlite asked WVMEP to recommend process layout recommendations for its new manufacturing plant.
Solution:
WVMEP engineers met with Rubberlite management and developed process-flow diagrams for each family of products. WVMEP then cataloged each piece of equipment, noting space and utility requirements.
Following the first two steps, WVMEP engineers met with Rubberlite management and production employees to review the plans and modify the layout based on concerns raised.
Engineers then refined the layout, which allowed equipment to be placed in the new building without "trial and error," and with sufficient space for operators, maintenance, loading & unloading, and scrap removal.
Benefits:
- Improved productivity facility-wide.
- Simplified material movement, reducing the cost of work-in-process.
- Improved product quality due to streamlined material handling procedures.
- Enhanced employee morale through improvements in ergonomics and workplace appearance.