The Volm Companies have been utilizing LEAN methodologies using multifunctional Kaizen (continuous improvement) teams to drive internal process improvements throughout our business. The teams apply lean thinking and lean tools to identify and eliminate MUDA, or waste, in all forms, with the intent of reducing order processing time to better serve our customers. Detailed analysis of current-state procedures exposes non-value adding activities, and then appropriate lean tools are used to shape a future state that supplies products on demand and defect free yielding shorter processing times and reduced inventories.

A recent Kaizen team at Yellowstone Plastics focused on the converting operation for rollstock products with the goal of improving uptime by identifying and eliminating waste in the set-up process. The team was comprised of staff from production, maintenance, management, and Volm CEO, Daniel Mueller, who studied the steps involved in the process of machine set-up. Equipment and environment modifications, along with the implementation of standardized work allowed us to minimize movement and time associated with machine set up activities. Significant improvement results were achieved by identifying and eliminating waste associated with set-up for two different product types. The improvements gained from this project will allow the Yellowstone team to better serve our customers through reduced lead times and lower costs.

LEAN methodologies will continue to drive improvements throughout Volm, allowing us to achieve our vision of being the Most Valued Partner to each, and every customer we serve.