Met-Pro Corporation (Now CECO Environmental Corp.)

Transforming Manufacturing and Production Processes

Key Takeaways

  • Productivity gains of approximately 25% – 30%
CECO Environmental Logo

Background

Met-Pro Chairman, CEO and President Ray De Hont was always looking for ways to simplify and improve his company. In 2007, he made the decision to pursue a Lean Transformation as a way to enhance Met-Pro’s ability to meet its ongoing objectives of quality, on-time delivery and low cost. “Our operating margins were good,” he notes, “but we needed to sharpen our pencil. I’ve always been intrigued by moving things through quicker and doing only what adds value. Going Lean was a way to make our facilities more efficient, improve our cost basis, and drive down inventory.” De Hont made the decision to work with DVIRC and introduce Lean throughout Met-Pro’s Philadelphia-area locations which include: Keystone Filter, in Hatfield; Fybroc and Sethco, in Telford; and Strobic Air and the Met-Pro headquarters, both in Harleysville.

The Solution

DVIRC began by performing Lean assessments at each of the facilities to determine the current state of operations and identify opportunities for improvement. This included a review of order processing, scheduling, setup, equipment changeovers, batching, inspection, inventory and other processes. Based on the assessments, the Fybroc and Sethco fluid handling plant was selected as the first facility to undergo a Lean Transformation.

To achieve commitment and buy-in, both management and plant employees participated in a Lean overview, an introductory presentation of Lean processes, tools and benefits. Selected employees attended Lean 101 workshops which provided a more detailed understanding of Lean principals and methods. Value Stream Mapping was then performed on all of the plant production lines to determine the current process state, and goals were set for a more efficient future state. To move processes towards future-state objectives, employees participated in Kaizen events – intense, goal-oriented work groups focused on achieving specific reductions in the time, effort, materials and systems used to complete a task or process.

Through the Kaizen events, many of the work, assembly and process areas were reorganized for maximum efficiency using visual management methods including labeling, signs, shadow boards, racks and other tools. To enhance work flow and reduce stock inventories, Kanban pull systems were implemented to control the flow of production based on actual order demand, rather than anticipated demand. Manufacturing and assembly processes were transformed from batch production methods to cellular setups incorporating more efficient, one-piece flow methods focused on the production of one complete part before moving on to the next.

From the beginning, Ray De Hont has stressed the importance of management commitment, and employee empowerment, in driving Lean success. Leading by example, Ray is currently attending DVIRC’s Lean Level 1 Certification course, as are his head of procurement and logistics, plant managers, foreman, assistant foremen and others. DVIRC’s unique approach combines Lean methods with individual and team-based learning, empowering employees to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Ray also makes it a point to be on the shop floor encouraging employees and listening to their input. He has participated in Kaizen events and other Lean initiatives, noting that, “If I don’t show that Lean is important to me, how can I expect it to be important to the people on the floor?”

Based on positive improvements in the initial Lean work, Met-Pro has begun introducing Lean methodologies to its Strobic Air facility, with work now focused on fan and plenum assembly processes. In addition, Met-Pro plans to introduce Lean to its facilities in Michigan and Indianapolis, and eventually to all office, engineering, project management and sales operations.

blue-quoteDVIRC works with you. They listen. But, they’ll pushback if they disagree. I find them to be upfront, objective, and honest.
Ray De Hont, Chairman, CEO, and President, Met-Pro

Results

Met-Pro experienced productivity gains of approximately 25% – 30%.
Inventory was reduced by $3 million in 2009, with approximately $1 million of this reduction directly attributed to the use of Lean principles.

The company achieved higher gross margins in 2009, despite lower revenue. This is attributed, in large part, to efficiencies created by Lean.

In one machining area, a test was performed to determine possible improvements of moving from a batch production method to a one-piece flow. The results showed that production time could be reduced 30% using a one-piece process. In addition, Met-Pro operators realized that the continuous flow method allowed them to catch mistakes one at a time, instead of after making multiple parts — reducing time and costs, while improving improved product quality.

The square footage of a resin-transfer molding (RTM) process was reduced 37% and lead times were reduced 44% through the development of an improved work flow and Kanban pull system.

A setup reduction kaizen in the CNC machining area indicated a potential reduction in setup time of 15%. The Fybroc division is continuing to monitor and analyze this process to sustain and improve in their machining setups.

More Success Stories

Ehmke Manufacturing

Ehmke Manufacturing

Ehmke Manufacturing Goes Lean, Improves Productivity & Sales

Polysciences, Inc.

Polysciences, Inc.

Organizational Development Training Yields Significant Results to Chemical Manufacturer

Merit Medical

Merit Medical

DVIRC helps Merit Medical reduce costs, cycle times, and grow sales

Contact Us
Contact Us

Send Us an Email