BLOOMINGDALE, IL, 05/01/10: In late April, Elite Manufacturing Technologies kicked off training of lean initiatives for the Company’s management team. “The kick-off sessions were extremely well-received,” comments EMT’s General Manager, Jim Fitch. “As we begin to dive into lean manufacturing training, we are excited at opportunities for change and advancements in operational efficiency that the new lean processes bring to our business.” During this initial training of departmental leaders, a schedule was developed to roll-out training and implementation of lean practices throughout the entire company. “The next steps will be to take the learning, and apply it; a core group of lean specialists will be taking on that task,” notes Fitch. In fact, a core group of 20-25 employees, referred to as first cell, will be entrusted with implementing and applying lean practices in their respective departments. Simultaneously, all personnel will be going through lean management training sessions, two sessions per month, until every person has been trained. Training is anticipated to continue through December.

EMT Director of Quality, Rahul Sarkar, anticipates immediate benefits to the proposed training plan. “Once the employees have learned the fundamentals of how to identify waste, then the program will really begin to be yield results and the entire work-force shall be energized seeing the gains made,” Sarkar notes. “Cell team members are out on the floor every day, and they know where potential bottlenecks can arise.” Utilizing the principles learned in training, team members will be able to apply lean processes in the areas of primary importance. “There is a level of excitement stemming from the power of employee involvement. Employees get to see immediate benefits--whether by saving time or money, or improving workflow--which allow them to contribute to the success of the company on a personal level,” says Sarkar.

Stay tuned for more information about EMT’s Production and Quality System initiatives. For more information about Elite Manufacturing Technologies, please contact us at 630-351-5757.

BLOOMINGDALE, IL, 04/01/10: With a sharp focus on lean manufacturing processes, Elite Manufacturing Technologies continues to make strides in evaluating and implementing process improvements. As reported in recent weeks, EMT’s 18-Element Production and Quality System (EPQS) analysis began earlier this year. The EMT team is now targeting lead time reduction as the next measure necessary to improve operating efficiencies.

“Reduction in lead times is achieved through a coordinated effort of lean practices including, but not limited to, planned maintenance, set-up time reduction, machine/facility layout, and problem solving and prevention,” comments General Manager, Jim Fitch. The overall goal of the actions being taken to reduce lead times is, ultimately, the reduction of waste in the form of time, materials, and processes. “Reduction of product lead time is a core element of our supply chain goals,” says Fitch, “and we are conducting a very thorough analysis of our current procedures, seeking opportunities to improve efficiency in this area.”

Stay tuned for more information about EMT’s Production and Quality System initiatives that will be in place completely in upcoming weeks. For more information about Elite Manufacturing Technologies, please contact us at 630-351-5757.

BLOOMINGDALE, IL, 03/01/10: As announced in February, Elite Manufacturing Technologies’ is undergoing an evaluation of its 18-Element Production and Quality System (EPQS). In upcoming weeks, the Company will be kicking off lean manufacturing training at management levels. After this process of “training the trainers” is complete, the team instructors will begin sharing their information with the employee base. “EMT’s performance enhancement goals will be achieved by our employees; they will be empowered with the tools that will enable them to participate in the kaizen events,” comments Rahul Sarkar, Director of Quality at EMT. Throughout the implementation of lean processes, the EMT team will be actively encouraged to make suggestions for process improvements and take action.

“We need to harness the power of employee involvement,” comments Sarkar. “As trainers begin to share the information about lean practices with their team, we can quickly have more than 20 additional pairs of eyes on the floor to identify potential sources of waste, such as overproduction, delays, or processing inefficiencies.” There are many additional reasons to engage the total work force in the continuous improvement process. Employee involvement improves individuals’ skills, product quality, increases productivity, creates a safer work environment, and ultimately helps EMT remain competitive in the market.

The Company’s initial training phase with management and floor leaders is expected to be completed by April. Stay tuned for more information about EMT’s Production and Quality System initiatives that will be in place completely in upcoming weeks. Look for our next E-Newsbrief to explore lead-time reduction initiatives. For more information about Elite Manufacturing Technologies, please contact us at 630-351-5757.

BLOOMINGDALE, IL, 01/25/10: The year 2009 brought many challenges to businesses across all industries, and as 2010 begins, companies continue to seek to recalibrate strategies and streamline processes. At Elite Manufacturing Technologies, a positive outlook for 2010 is guided by the Company’s recent customer-base expansion and lean manufacturing initiatives to improve operational processes.

Elite Manufacturing Technologies (EMT) is focusing on an 18-element Production and Quality System (EPQS), which includes Employee Involvement, PaperlessDocument Control, Business Process Mapping, Kanban Systems and more. The most recent focus for process improvement has been in a shift from reliance on final inspection to quality at source. “Quality should be built into the production process,” emphasizes Rahul Sarkar, Director of Quality at EMT. “Quality at source is the best way to affect quality as it is far more time- and cost-effective to uncover any potential quality problem at the point of manufacture and correct it, as well as fix the process; rather than to discard defective items after production or, worse yet, have shipments delayed because parts had to be remade.” As of mid-January, the Company has completed the final implementation of the quality at source initiative. With new quality procedures in place, parts are checked throughout the production process. Roving auditors have been placed out on the production floor to collect data at all points in the supply chain. This compiled information is then used for data-based analysis of process capabilities and process improvements.

While EMT is concerned with technical aspects of quality, they also realize the importance of the involvement of its employees, customers and suppliers. “Employees are proud to take ownership of the quality of their work,” comments General Manager, Jim Fitch. “Under the quality at source initiative, everyone becomes a quality inspector. Our employees are motivated to ensure that their work meets expected standards of quality.” EMT also stresses that quality is customer driven. EMT recognizes that the requirements of clients are the focal point to achieving successful outcomes and ensuring optimal quality. “When the EMT team and suppliers work cooperatively to achieve the highest levels of quality, we know we will exceed customers’ expectations and continue to see our Company grow in 2010,” says Fitch.

Stay tuned for more information about EMT’s Production and Quality System initiatives that will be in place completely in upcoming weeks. For more information about Elite Manufacturing Technologies, please contact us at 630-351-5757.

BLOOMINGDALE, IL, 01/25/10: Elite Manufacturing Technologies, a leading sheet metal fabricator and design engineering company, recently added three experienced industry professionals to it’s team. Elite Manufacturing Technologies (EMT) welcomes Rahul Sarkar, Steve Schommer, and Mike Henes to its staff as the company seeks to continue its recent client base expansion and supply chain optimization.

As EMT’s most recent staff addition, Rahul Sarkar joined the EMT family bringing 25+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality systems, and engineering. As Director of Quality, Rahul immediately began implementing lean manufacturing initiatives to improve the Company’s process flow efficiencies and waste elimination, as well as quality at source enhancements. Rahul offers a diverse background in supply chain management, Six Sigma training, and global sourcing.

Steve Schommer joined the team with over 15 years of sales experience from the fabrication industry and outsourcing community. As Senior Account Manager, Steve’s focus is on growing EMT’s existing markets and supporting customers’ needs. Steve will lead the market development of large program sales and client management as he pursues new business opportunities to leverage EMT’s respected capabilities for innovative product development and manufacturing.

Also joining the team is Senior Account Manager, Mike Henes, who comes to EMT with a strong 15-year history in sales engineering and outsourcing. Mike has been working hard to elevate awareness of EMT in the marketplace, as well as introducing new and existing clients to the Company’s full range of design engineering, fabrication, and assembly capabilities.

“EMT is fortunate to expand its staff with experienced supply chain and sales professionals,” said Jim Fitch, General Manager. “Rahul, Mike and Steve have proven track records in the supply chain, fabrication and outsourcing communities. They understand our client needs, which will not only assist us in growing our client base, but also will help us to provide better service to our existing clients.”