Geater Machining was able to increase throughput by 60% in a bottleneck operation after one Rapid Improvement Event. Learn how their efforts have paid off!
One of the key elements on my American Lean Weekday podcast is the weekly interviews that I conduct with companies on their Lean Journey. These companies are from various industries and are all different sizes.
I have interviewed leaders from family-owned businesses to multi-national organizations. This podcast can be found here. It is episode thirty-two on the American Lean Weekday podcast.
Geater Machining and Manufacturing is a machine shop with sheet metal capabilities and primarily supports the Aerospace and Defense industry. Established in 1962 and located in Independence Iowa they have grown from roughly 80 employees in 2008 to 430 in 2019.
They have used Lean methodologies to increase revenues from $10 to $45 million in that time. During this interview, we talk about how Geater was able to increase throughput by 60% through a bottleneck process.
These are some key points taken from my interview with the Vice President of Geater Machining, Dan Heller.
1. “We were able to increase throughput through the bottleneck process of paint by 60% after one Rapid Improvement Event.
2. “Lean applies to many areas, especially a machine shop. Any time you want to increase throughput, and save money, Lean applies.”
3. “Seeing the employees’ enthusiasm, give their ideas, be heard and provide their input is very exciting.”
4. The biggest successes have been the Rapid Improvement Events. “We have seen a huge benefit by getting everyone trained on Lean tropics.”
5. “Lean has helped us give employees a better work/life balance.”
6. “It’s important to find a consultant that knows the practical aspects of Lean not just the theory to help guide you on your Lean journey.”
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Listen to the podcast episode here