FLEXcon and MassMEP Host Lean Manufacturing Roundtable

SPENCER, Mass.—About 50 representatives of 20 manufacturing companies from Massachusetts were briefed on the successful 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 Dec. 11, 2007 at FLEXcon’s headquarters in Spencer, Mass.

FLEXcon is an ISO 9001:2000-certified global manufacturer of pressure-sensitive film and adhesive products. The company 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, 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 U.S. Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with the common goal to strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.