Keeping lean alive

Learn how cycle times have been reduced by 70 percent, WIP cut in half, throughput increased, market share gained and employees have been engaged in making lean last for over a decade.

With Card-Monroe's low volume/high mix manufacturing environment, lean wasn't even supposed to work according to the consultants. But beginning in 2004, and continuing even today, the company not only achieved early gains across the business, but recent breakthroughs continue to prove the value of embracing lean principles. Hear how cycle times have been reduced by 70 percent, WIP cut in half, throughput increased, market share gained and how employees have been engaged in making lean last for over a decade.

Founded in 1981, Card-Monroe Corp., headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the premier manufacturer of tufting machines for carpet, rug and artificial turf producers throughout the world. With its passion for tufting and dedication to making customers more successful, CMC has become the preferred provider of tufting machines within the industry. The company custom manufactures every machine it builds to match the unique requirements of each customer. CMC’s customer base spans 31 countries. The company is a recipient of the Chattanooga Chamber Spirit of Innovation award and the TAM company of the Year award. www.cardmonroe.com

Rick Howard is plant manager at the Hixson, TN location of Card-Monroe Corp. He has utilized his educational background in industrial engineering (BIE, Auburn University) and computer science (MS University of Southern Mississippi) to serve successfully in the functions of industrial engineering, materials and manufacturing management, and information systems.  His work experience includes shipbuilding, chemical processing, and most recently in tufting (carpet manufacturing equipment).