Company Profile: Golden Artists Paints, Inc. manufactures and markets fine art acrylic paints. They are a privately held corporation employing approximately 100 full-time employees in their facility in New Berlin, NY. They have a diverse customer base and use wholesale stores, distributors, private-label/OEM and retail/education.

Situation: Golden has many world-wide competitors, but none in New York State. The largest competitor from a market share stand point, has 50% market share compared to 31% for Golden. In order to increase market share, Golden realized it must improve operational efficiencies on all levels, and asked AM&T- Alliance for Manufacturing & Tehcnology to help establish and implement a plan for improvement.

Project: The first step in the improvement process was to conduct an On-Site Assessment, examining all critical business, manufacturing and management processes and practices at the facility. The assessment determined that there was a need to establish a Lean Manufacturing culture and knowledge, and implement Lean concepts within the organization, and to assist in analyzing and improving the expansion plans which were already in the early stages.

Impacts: As a result of Lean mentoring and implementation of Lean consepts, the following improvements were realized:

• Inventory was reduced by 18.6%, - inventory returns increased by 29.4%, -improved workplace and plant housekeeping/safety.

• “In the housekeeping area, the shine of the equipment and organization of their work space is fantastic. We've always been an incredibly safe workplace and evoked continuous improvement in this area. It is attributable to our commitment to our employees and our organizational culture.”

Testimonial: “The Industrial Effectiveness study identified the areas of risk within our organization, as it realted to our planned growth. Once identified, we were able to determine the resources necessary to reduce the risk and secure the company's growth stability. Our initiatives in lean operations have been successful to date and are continuing. Our culture, which values the contribution of employee owners, creates a natural environment for continuous improvement.”

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