Springing to world-class manufacturing

Article Abstract:

Grand Rapids Spring and Wire Co (GRSW) successfully implemented a world-class manufacturing (WCM) environment by creating an organizational culture based on trust. The implementation of WCM was the first step in GRSW's goal of quality improvement and cost reduction. Meetings were held with employees to identify the fundamental problems at GRSW, which included a need for training, poor quality of production materials, and maintenance problems. Management and employees cooperated in finding solutions to the problems. GRSW did not put a lot of effort into developing a traditional or direct costing method, but the firm did adopt the financial measures of throughput, operating expenses, and inventory/investment. All employees developed an understanding of the way in which their decisions would affect the financial measures. This accounting systems has been successful, with GRSW continuing to exhibit higher sales and net profits every month.

Steel springs, except wire, Management, Case studies, Steel industry, Corporate culture, Cost accounting

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Blending quality theories for continuous improvement

Article Abstract:

Grand Rapids Spring & Wire Products Inc (GRSW) has successfully integrated elements of the quality management theories of Kiyoshi Suzaki, Eliyahu M. Goldratt and W. Edwards Deming to create a unique continuous improvement program that has helped transform GRSW into a world-class manufacturer in less than five years. The GRSW program began with the establishment of four mini-companies where cross-functional teams could develop a long-range vision to guide all activities of GRSW. Once its corporate mission had been identified and established, GRSW then launched a program to educate employees about the need to improve performance in five essential production areas: safety, morale, delivery, cost and quality. The implementation of this continuous improvement program has since helped GRSW enhance customer satisfaction while helping to transform it into a learning organization.

Motor vehicle parts and accessories, Motor Vehicle Parts, Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing, Wire springs, Automobile equipment and supplies industry, Automotive parts industry, Automotive parts, Quality management

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Minicompanies: the next generation of employee empowerment

Article Abstract:

GR Spring and Stamping is a manufacturing firm that has implemented the minicompany concept to empower its employees and enhanced team-building efforts. GR Spring and Stamping produces various types of products such as stampings, roll forming and wire forms. Its employees are organized into four minicommpanies where everyone is depicted as the presidents of their own departments. They provide products and services based on the satisfaction of customers. The minicompanies measure their progress and performance based on five indicators, namely quality, cost, safety, delivery and morale. Moreover, the minicompany concept has enabled GR Spring and Stamping to enhance its production processes and improve product offerings.

Legislative Bodies, All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing, Manufacturing industries, not elsewhere classified, Manufacturing Industries NEC, Human Resources, Production management, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Human resource management, GR Spring and Stamping

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