Lean and Six Sigma? You Mean I Can Do Both?

February 28, 2012 By KCMN

KCMN April Meeting

In this era of I want it now, and it must be perfect, juggling priorities with limited time and dollars is a continual challenge.  Is it possible to combine the effectiveness measures of Six Sigma with the efficiency gains of Lean?  April’s KCMN meeting will feature two speakers who will introduce you to the possibilities, and discuss strategies for accomplishing the goals of both.

Understanding Lean Six Sigma – Scott Gardner, Master Black Belt, MAMTC   Scott has worked with numerous companies throughout Kansas to improve operations through integration of the principles of Lean and Six Sigma.  Scott will explain how both systems can complement each other, and discuss measures for improving both quality and cost.

How Garmin is integrating the principles of Lean and Six Sigma – Luke Goodrich, Product Quality, Garmin International, Inc.  Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, has been applying lean and six sigma principles to manufacturing and distribution center operations at its Olathe, Kansas headquarters and in its facilities around the world for years as part of its constant quest to create flawless products and services. Luke will explain how Garmin is identifying opportunities, overcoming challenges, and measuring progress in these efforts.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up by April 7  By clicking HERE, or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

About our speakers:

Scott Gardner has a wealth of experience as a Manager in manufacturing processes, material handling, production facilities, distribution centers and facility layouts. He has a very strong background in Lean Enterprise, Operation Process, Office Optimization, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering. His history in Lean and Six Sigma boast projects that positively impacted the bottom line of the company by millions of dollars. He is educated and mentored to hold an executive position. He has worked closely with the FAA and Government over the past 7 years from a compliance, regulatory, and Safety Management System aspect.  Scott has experience in implementing cellular manufacturing, Kitting, Single Piece flow manufacturing using JIT, Kanban / KanWhip applications, continuous improvement, six sigma, safety, risk management, and team building. Scott designed his current home and his design of his church won a national competition with Morton Builders.

Luke Goodrich has a broad background in manufacturing and distribution center processes, global supply chain activities, industrial engineering, and sales & operations planning. He has extensive design, implementation, and management experience in raw material and finished goods handling, cell manufacturing, on-demand production, distribution center operations, reverse logistics, quality assurance, and root cause & corrective action processes. Garmin International, Inc. is the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, Garmin has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, fitness, marine, aviation, and OEM applications.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center and Missouri Enterprise are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: continuous improvement, Garmin, Lean Manufacturing, quality, Six sigma

Product Development: Getting from Innovation to Revenue

February 13, 2012 By KCMN

KCMN March Meeting – Sign up by March 2nd!

Much is being written about the need for innovation in manufacturing to drive sales.  In fact, KCMN has covered this topic several times in the past few years.  However, we’ve not talked about the process of taking that innovation to market. Our March meeting features three KCMN member companies:

Lisa Kist – Robbie Flexibles

Steve Hall – Boelte Hall

Jason Grove – Dimensional Innovations

Our panelists will discuss their product or service offerings as well as:

  • The product development process – from innovation to revenue
  • Getting the right people involved
  • The customer’s role in development
  • Product development budgeting and planning
  • Suggestions and lessons learned

Tuesday March 6, 2012
7:30- 9 AM
Hilton Garden Inn at 5th & Minnesota, Kansas City,  Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up by no later than March 1st by clicking here, or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958, or donna@kcmn.org

Jason Grove – Dimensional Innovations is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary firm taking ideas through design, fabrication and installation. We create experiences that make distinctive connections with our clients and your customers. Our proven experience in various market segments includes: cinemas, casinos, sports facilities, retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, entertainment venues, museums, zoos, libraries and government.  In 2011, as a product of our Innovations Lab, we created and delivered to market Shield Casework™ , a solid surface microbial resistant line of healthcare casework. The product is designed to meet a wide range of applications in hospitals, labs, clinics and senior living facilities. Shield Casework™ delivers greater value and better bottom line performance.

Lisa Kist – Robbie Flexibles  Founded in 1970 and based in Lenexa, Kansas, Robbie, is a premier packaging company providing sustainable merchandising solutions using 10-color process printing on a variety of films for supermarkets, food/beverage, and consumer goods companies. In addition, Robbie supplies superior pouch and bag technology with high tech solutions for demanding applications.

Steve Hall – Boelte Hall was founded in 1967 to provide print services, including sheet fed lithography, die cutting, mailing, large format, posters, and banners. Over the years, we’ve grown and expanded our services to include not only print, but also event marketing and trade show displays, promotional items, brand management, mailing, video, online storefronts, variable data digital printing and complete cross channel marketing services.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise  are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers.  Service providers are welcome with the understanding that they not utilize the network as a sales channel.  We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event.

 

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: Boelte-Hall, Dimensional Innovations, innovation, New product development, product development process, Robbie Flexibles

Capturing More Sales – Even on a Budget

January 6, 2012 By KCMN

KCMN February Meeting

Manufacturers sometimes see marketing in light of the quote, “I know I’m wasting half of my money, I just wish I knew which half!”  In addition to cutting the bottom line, survival depends on the ability to sustain and grow the top line, sales, as well.   How do you know which trade shows will result in new business? What channel is the best to reach my target customer? What’s the best method for finding new customers?  February’s meeting gives you an opportunity to learn some new strategies for reaching out for increased sales.

How to market your firm successfully on a limited budget – Rich Delaney – Owner of 20/20 Marketing  Discover from a proven marketing professional who has worked for Caterpillar Corp. and helped local manufacturers become more successful, what it takes to increase sales and profits.  Rich Delaney, president of 20/20 Marketing has over 30 years experience in building sales and profits for companies.  His insights will reveal how to capture more sales without big budgets.

Marketing Strategies for the Real World –Steve Hasty, President, A&E Custom Manufacturing  See how one Kansas City area manufacturer with limited resources implemented an effective marketing strategy that carried them though the “great recession” and beyond.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
7:30-9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign up today at By clicking here , or contact Donna Gordon.

Marketing Questions? Do you have a particular data point/area of interest you’d like out speakers to cover?  Email us your questions or include them as part of your online signup process.

20/20 Marketing and president Rich Delaney, are dedicated to providing innovative solutions to individuals and organizations committed to growth.  20/20 Marketing helps companies get more from their marketing, sales efforts and employees with a focus on strategic planning, integrated marketing communications, sales development programs, and improved advertising communications strategies. Clients include top Fortune 100 firms to small / medium sized firms and solo entrepreneurs. The common denominator is that they all seek to improve their marketing and sales processes and profitability.

A&E Custom Manufacturing is a quality metal fabricator founded in 1959, and is now a premier source for one-of-a-kind, short and medium run fabrications.  A&E specializes in: Tool and die-making for the metal stamping industry, Medium- to large-run precision stamping production, and Custom sheet metal fabrication.  To serve their customers, the company continually updates equipment and process technology, and has installed current state-of-the-art automated laser cutting and forming equipment. Customers include:  signage and display companies, architects, mechanical designers, inventors, and the food processing, transportation, medical and agricultural industries.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center and Missouri Enterprise are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon.

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: A&E Custom Manufacturing, growth, kansas city manufacturers, marketing, sales

Education and Training Forum

November 29, 2011 By KCMN

KCMN January Meeting
Learn how the region’s educational institutions can help you build a stronger workforce

KCMN is kicking off the new year with an opportunity for you to learn about education and training programs designed for manufacturing employers, and give you an opportunity to provide input to the region’s educational institutions.  The meeting will feature speakers from 4 regional education providers, who will also include a manufacturer that has utilized each of their programs to talk about their experience and benefits.

 Educational Institutions and Speakers

  • Johnson County Community College, and Julie Brethauer, Human Resource Manager at Torotel
  • Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Technical Education Center, and Tom Goodpasture, CEO, Pride Manufacturing
  • Metropolitan Community College Business and Technology Campus, and Ben Boone, Supervisor, B3 Machine Shops and Flex-Pro Shop, ATK Small Caliber Systems, Lake City Ammunition Plant
  • Pittsburg State University Career Services/College of Technology, and Jason Grove, Vice President of Operations, Dimensional Innovations

January 10, 2012
7:30 – 9:15 AM
Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota, Kansas City Kansas

AGENDA

7:30 AM – Breakfast and sign in
7:40 AM – Presentations by educational providers, and case studies on how a manufacturer has utilized their program to improve their workforce
8:40-9:15 AM – Chance to meet one on one with representatives from the four educational institutions

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Sign by January 6 by clicking here , or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958.   Due to a need to cover costs, no shows will be billed.

 The Center for Business and Technology at Johnson County Community College is the center for all your training needs. The center provides training that spans nearly every functional area of a successful business. Our expansive array of programs and customized training sets us apart from the competition. In addition, our expert instructors and quality curriculum are unmatched in meeting the needs of Kansas City’s most successful individuals, businesses and organizations.

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Technical Education Center (TEC) offers over 20 hands-on technical skill training programs during the day which lead to certificates and employment in office and computer technology, service and health occupations, or trade and industrial fields. Anyone wanting to improve his/her employment potential including college graduates, home makers, dislocated workers, high school seniors, those no longer in school, and senior citizens will receive the hands-on technical education that employers want. TEC curriculum is aligned with business and industry standards. Advanced students may participate in work-based learning experiences or internships. Leadership skills are also developed through opportunities with national student organizations.

Metropolitan Community College Business & Technology Campus is one of five Metropolitan Community College campuses. Located off Front Street and I-435 just northeast of downtown Kansas City, MCC-BTC is home to eight major technical programs. Manufacturing skills are taught in the campus’ Precision Machining, Engineering Technology (CADD and Prototyping), Welding, and Industrial Technology (Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls and Millwright) programs. The campus is discussing developing programs in Industrial Fabrication and Biomanufacturing. Students benefit from instructors with significant years of industry experience. The college is fully accredited, has multiple articulation agreements with baccalaureate and labor partners and a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.

Pittsburg State University is one of the premiere universities in the Midwest and home to four distinct colleges. Each of our colleges (College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Technology) is nationally known for the quality of its programs, faculty and students. Pittsburg State offers more than 150 academic programs for its 7200 students, and provides the opportunity to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree. The College of Technology offers15 different program areas to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, and are designed (1) to prepare for employment in business and industry in managerial and supervisory positions; (2) to prepare for employment as technologists and technicians; (3) to prepare teachers and supervisors in vocational-technical education, technology education, and industrial training.

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: education, manufacturing skills, training, workforce

Innovation and Adaptation – Creating New Opportunities in Manufacturing

October 4, 2011 By KCMN

Kansas City Manufacturing Network November meeting – Alphapointe Plant Tour

When over half of your workforce is either blind or visually impaired, there
are certainly soAlphapointe Association for the Blindme unique challenges when it comes to productivity, safety, and workflow design. However, the processes of adapting to a rapidly changing and competitive manufacturing environment are similar to those faced in any manufacturing environment.  Join KCMN member Alphapointe at our November meeting, where they will discuss:

•           Utilizing technology and innovation strategies to create a unique manufacturing environment

•           Strategies for ensuring and promoting a safe working environment

•           Lessons learned in their manufacturing operations that are applicable to a wide variety of workplace environments.

Tuesday, November 8, 7:30  to 9 AM
Alphapointe Association For the Blind
7501 Prospect  KCMO

AGENDA

7:30 AM  Sign in & breakfast – Coffee, juice, bagels
7:45 AM  Tour and presentation (divide into two groups)
9:00 AM  Wrap up and Q & A

ABOUT ALPHAPOINTE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

Alphapointe Association for the Blind is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has continued to serve people who are blind and visually impaired in the Kansas City, Missouri community and surrounding region since 1911. Alphapointe Association for the Blind is the largest single employer of visually impaired individuals in Missouri, employing 175 people, approximately 100 of which are blind or visually impaired, and is the only comprehensive rehabilitation and education agency for people with vision loss in the state of Missouri, serving over 4,000 individuals.  Alphapointe is 3 Shift operation and is  ISO-9001:2008 Certified, cGMP compliant.

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member. Space is limited, so sign up no later than November 4 at By clicking here or contact Donna Gordon

Due to limited space, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event so we can provide spaces for those who may be on a wait list. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: Alphapointe Association for the Blind, manufacturing, Plant tour

2012 and Beyond: Is Uncertainty the New Normal?

September 6, 2011 By KCMN

KCMN October Meeting

The Outlook for the US Economy
Jon Willis, Assistant Vice President and Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Jon Willis will give a presentation on the state of the U.S. economy and discuss the economic outlook for 2012. In the presentation, he will discuss recent developments in labor markets and inflation with an emphasis on the manufacturing sector.

Jon joined the Economic Research Department in September 2000. A native of Iowa, Jon received a B.A. degree in economics from Grinnell College in 1993 and a Ph.D. degree in economics from Boston University in 2001. Jon conducts research on labor market dynamics over the business cycle and the relationship between the price-setting behavior of firms and inflation dynamics. In addition to working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, he has served as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Regional Economic Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeff Pinkerton, Senior Researcher, MARC

Jeff will present a local economic forecast and focus on Kansas City’s strengths and weaknesses as it competes in the global economy.

Jeff has served as the Senior Researcher for MARC for 10 years. He is responsible for researching the local economy and metropolitan development issues. At MARC, Jeff helps produce the Kansas City Area Economic Forecast and maintains the KCEconomy website as well as track regional demographic trends. Prior to joining MARC he worked for the Downtown Council and served as Chief Economist for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jeff has a master’s degree in Urban Economics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Forecast Questions? Do you have a particular data point/area of interest you’d like out speakers to cover?  Submit your questions to Donna Gordon, or include them as part of your online signup process.

Meeting Details:

Tuesday, October 11, 2011
7:30 – 9:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn
520 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas
(directions)

RSVP: Sign up no later than October 8 by clicking here or contact Donna Gordon

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon.

EVENT SPONSOR

TGP InvestmentsTGP Investments, L.L.C. is a Kansas City-based private equity firm led by a strong investment team with extensive experience in middle-market private equity investing. The firm manages the fund TGP Capital Partners, which makes both control and minority equity investments in partnership with proven managers in manufacturing and business services companies with revenues generally between $15 million and $150 million.

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Our founding sponsors are Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Filed Under: Past Tagged With: 2012 forecast, Economic forecast, manufacturing forecast

Generation Y – Myths and Realities for your Workforce

August 17, 2011 By KCMN

KCMN September Meeting

While having the right processes and procedures in place is critical to enhancing profitability, there’s a third “P” that can sometimes be the most difficult to get right – People!  Today’s workforce is undergoing a metamorphosis-the values, work habits and experiences of workers can create management challenges.  Join us as we will host speakers who will identify workforce trends, and give you strategies for meeting your workforce challenges.

  • Kirk Young, Job Match Assessment – Employing Gen Y – Are You Prepared?
  • Nathan Goodpasture, Pride Manufacturing, Inc. – Managing Multiple Generations
  • Victoria Ogier, MARC  – Workforce Program Overview And Update

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Hilton Garden Inn
520 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas

Our Speakers Will Discuss:  

Nathan Goodpasture, Director of Business Development, Pride Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Attraction & Retention: Creating a path of clear progress on meaningful work.

Incentivizing the risks of long term training.

Overcoming the expectations of Gen Y.

Empowering the Boomers, a consultancy solution.

Shifting the paradigm of American education (Mfg is not plan B).

Learning from local and regional programs that are already working.

Pride Manufacturing is an aggressive custom machining and fabricating company headquartered in the Kansas City, Missouri Metropolitan area. They produce plastic and metal components, tooling, fixtures, weldments and molds for a broad spectrum of industries and applications. Its equipment portfolio is diverse and state-of-the-art, and team comprised of the foremost members of their respective specialties. Clientele choose Pride for the unmatched quality, as well as personalized engineering and logistics solutions that accompany the fulfillment of each production requirement.

Kirk Young, SPHR,  CEO, Job Match Assessment, Inc.

They are coming.  The birth rate in the U.S. spiked starting in 1980 and a new generation as influential as the Baby Boomers is now bringing change with them to work.  Are you prepared?

Workforce Generational Shift:  Demographics drive Destiny.

Is Gen Y Motivated? Getting Gen Y Engaged

Gen Y is Similar to the Boomers

Gen Y’s Life Experience is Different

Gen Y Bring New Challenges to Our Values

Kirk Young, SPHR, is a 26 year HR veteran, who served in nine different roles with Ernst & Young, Unilever and Lear Siegler. Now he is CEO of Job Match Assessment, Inc. where he applies his experience with engagement and job-fit metrics for more than 160 clients in diverse economic sectors.  Kirk has directed the Human Resources and Development functions.  He implements recruiting, performance management, compensation, succession planning, and assessment systems all over the country and in Canada.  He is well experienced in employee and labor relations management.    Mr. Young has an MBA from St. Louis University and a BS Psychology from Emporia State University.  He is MBTI qualified, a DDI certified instructor, and a Strategic Partner of Profiles International.

Victoria Ogier, Workforce Development Project Manager, Mid-America Regional Council

Mid-America Regional Council has launched a Manufacturing Sector Partnership Taskforce to identify skill needs and gaps in the workforce.  Victoria will provide an update on the taskforce’s activities.

Meeting Details:

Cost is $15 for members and $25 for guests. Guests may attend 2 meetings before having to join as a member.  Our founding sponsors, Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center  and Missouri Enterprise, will be our sponsors for this event. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

Sign up no later than September 9 by clicking here  or contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958 or donna@kcmn.org

Due to our need to cover the event costs, no shows will be billed. Cancellations will be accepted no later than 3 business days prior to an event. Cancellations of reservations paid by credit card will be assessed a $10 processing fee by the registration service, or contact us for event credit for a future event. You may register as a guest for up to 2 events before membership is required. For questions or comments, please contact Donna Gordon at 816-304-7958

 

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: employees, generation Y, manufacturing, recruiting, training

Don’t be left in the dark! Get to know your fellow manufacturers!

July 7, 2011 By KCMN

A special KCMN networking event hosted by Alphapointe

Featuring Boulevard Beer and Jack Stack Barbecue

FREE to KCMN current members and their invited guests

Alphapointe Association for the BlindKCMN is kicking off our fall season with a special networking event! Our meeting is sponsored by Alphapointe Association for the Blind, a unique manufacturer, and will feature free food and drink for KCMN members who are current with their membership. The meeting will feature a networking roundtable where participants will have an opportunity to learn about each other’s accomplishments, opportunities and challenges.

  • Members who RSVP by the August 19 deadline get in for free
  • Please limit participants to 5 per company so everyone has a chance to participate
  • Please invite your manufacturing colleagues to come and check out KCMN. Guests will need to RSVP with their contact information, and who invited them in order to get in free.
  • Guests not invited by a KCMN member will be $15 – proceeds from the event will be donated to Alphapointe, a non-profit organization
  • Donations are also appreciated!

Alphapointe Association for the Blind
Thursday August 25
4:00 to 6:00 PM
7501 Prospect, Kansas City, MO

AGENDA

4:00 PM – Enjoy Jack Stack barbecue and Boulevard Beer
4:30 PM – Welcome and introduction to Alphapointe
4:40 PM – Networking roundtable discussions begin
5:40 PM – Enjoy barbecue and beverages

Bank of Kansas City

 

 

Bring your business cards for a drawing for some great prizes from Bank of Kansas City and Johnson County Community College!

Space is limited, so sign up today at by clicking here or contact Donna Gordon

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center and Missouri Enterprise,  are our Network sponsors. The event is open to area manufacturers and their suppliers. We invite you to join with us to make KCMN the premier resource for manufacturers.

About Alphapointe

Our Mission is to empower people with vision loss to maximize their independence.

Alphapointe Association for the Blind is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has continued to serve people who are blind and visually impaired in the Kansas City, Missouri community and surrounding region since 1911. Alphapointe Association for the Blind is the largest single employer of visually impaired individuals, employing 175 people, approximately 100 of which are blind or visually impaired, and is the only comprehensive rehabilitation and education agency for people with vision loss in the state of Missouri, serving over 4,000 individuals.

Alphapointe is 3 Shift operation ISO-9001:2008 Certified, cGMP compliant. Their facility includes:

  • eCommerce Office Supply Store with over 40,000 products offered featuring SKILCRAFT® products
  • Military Base Supply Stores at Fort Leonard Wood Army Base and Little Rock Air Force Base
  • Over 50 million pharmaceutical bottles produced for the Veterans Administration mail order pharmacy program
  • Produce over 12,000,000 writing instruments per year
  • Sales to federal government and commercial distribution network of nearly 200 locations coast-to-coast
  • Complete, State of the Art, plastics processing facility

In addition, Alphapointe is the only comprehensive Vision Education and Rehabilitation Center in the State of Missouri. Services include low vision services for seniors and Low Vision Clinic, diabetes outreach and education, adaptive technology instruction , job skills evaluation, placement, and training and many more services. In 2010, Alphapointe provided direct rehabilitation services to over 750 individuals who are blind or visually impaired in 2010 and served over 4,000 people through various training and outreach programs.

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: Alphapointe, Kansas City, manufacturers, networking

Huhtamaki – Developing a CI Process and Culture that Accelerates Improvement

April 21, 2011 By KCMN

KCMN June Presentation and Tour – SOLD OUT – Thank you for your interest in KCMN!

HuhtamakiKCMN members who are striving to implement continuous improvement initiatives know that they not only need to consider the process but also what it means to the people who are implementing it, measuring it and leading the charge. Our June meeting will discuss:

  • History of Huhtamaki’s CI Program
  • Defining Principles
  • Gaining Engagement
  • Lessons Learned

IMPORTANT: No open toed shoes or jewelry allowed for tour, we will provide hairnets, ear plugs and safety glasses.

Tuesday, June 14
7:30–9:45 AM
9201 Packaging Drive Desoto, KS  66018

Parking: Park in any open spot in Visitor or Employee parking sections (car pool if possible) Enter through “Employee Entrance” where you will be greeted by a Huhtamaki employee and escorted up to the meeting room.

About Huhtamaki

Huhtamaki is a global consumer and specialty packaging company. Our focus and expertise is in technologies such as paper, plastics, films and molded fiber. We offer products from stock and custom designs to total packaging systems and solutions.  Huhtamaki Industries was established in 1920 in Kokkola, Western Finland, by Heikki Huhtamaki, a village baker’s son. Today, Huhtamaki Oyj, is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. In the United States, our collective history goes back even further. Huhtamaki’s U.S. growth has been largely through the acquisition of such leading companies as Sealright, which originated in the 1870s and leading brands such as Chinet, whose molded fiber technology was developed in 1903 by Martin Keyes of the Keyes Fibre Company in Waterville, ME where Chinet is still made.

AGENDA

7:30 AM  Sign in & breakfast – Coffee, juice, water, muffins and fruit
8:00–9:30 AM  Tour and presentation (divide into two groups)
9:30 AM  Wrap up and Q & A

IMPORTANT: No open toed shoes or jewelry allowed for tour, we will provide hairnets, ear plugs and safety glasses.

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) and Missouri Enterprise are the Network’s sponsoring organizations.

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: continuous improvement, Huhtamaki, Lean, manfacturing

Sales and Operations Planning: The Missing Ingredient to Improved Efficiency?

March 22, 2011 By KCMN

Presentation and Discussion
KCMN May Meeting

While productivity and efficiency gains are a frequently mentioned goal of KCMN members, those gains are harder to achieve when trying to forecast in an uncertain environment.

A formal definition of Sales & Operations Planning is function of setting the overall level of manufacturing output (production plan) and other activities to best satisfy the current planned levels of sales (sales plan and/or forecasts), while meeting general business objectives of profitability, productivity, and competitive customer lead times. Another definition is the answer to the question, “How do you reconcile what sales says they’re going to sell with what we need to produce?”

KCMN will feature sales and operations planning expert John Boyer who will discuss the process of Sales and Operations planning. Desired results include asset utilization, cost management, and on-time shipment performance. This presentation includes the what-why-who-when fundamentals of S&OP, and its application and lessons learned from implementation at Milbank Manufacturing.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Milbank Training Center – 5601 Gardner Kansas City, MO  64120
Parking is in the paved parking lot (look for the big wind turbine). Entrance to the training center is off of this parking lot (sign is over the door)

AGENDA

7:45 AM  Welcome and Overview of Milbank Manufacturing
8:00 AM  Presentation on Sales and Operations Planning by John Boyer
8:45 AM  Milbank’s Results, lessons learned and future expectations
9:15 AM  Discussion and Q & A

Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) and Missouri Enterprise are the Network’s sponsoring organizations.

About our Presenters and Host

John E. Boyer, Jr.  PE, CFPIM – President of J.E. Boyer Company, Inc.

John E. Boyer, Jr., PE, CFPIM, is President of J. E. Boyer Company, Inc., a management education and consulting company. John has 38 years experience as a manufacturing professional, consultant, and university educator including Rockwell International, Emerson Electric, and Weber State University. He has completed 40 S&OP design and implementation projects in a wide variety of industries including metal fabrication, electronics, automotive, sporting goods, and healthcare. John has a BS-IE from Lehigh University and an MBA from Utah State University, is a frequent speaker for many professional organizations.

Eric Krichbaum – SR. VP of Operations/COO at Milbank Manufacturing

Eric has 28 years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment. At Milbank, he has responsibility for the production, logistics/inventory management, procurement, product engineering and environmental, health and safety functions. Eric has been a valued leader in the implementation of lean and change management principles, strategic planning and supporting business processes and organizational structures resulting in improved operational performance. He promotes an environment that values a culture of learning, achieving results and continuous improvement through the active engagement of all employees.

About Milbank Manufacturing

Milbank builds solutions that move electrical power for the residential, commercial, industrial, utility and transportation sectors. Milbank combines over 80 years of expertise in electrical distribution with a commitment to develop and globally implement sustainable, integrated power solutions. Milbank’s portfolio includes electric metering systems, commercial and industrial enclosures and control products and PowerGen™ wind and solar solutions, stand-by and portable power. A third-generation, family-owned business, Milbank Manufacturing Company is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, please visit www.milbankmfg.com or www.milbankpowergen.com.

Filed Under: Events, Past Tagged With: Lean, manufacturing, Milbank, Sales and Operations Planning, Sales and Ops planning
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