Topic(s)
- Operations improvement
Highlights
See MSA Safety's lean management system in action on this virtual tour.
Overview
Ten years ago, MSA Safety developed and implemented its lean management system, the MSA Operating System. Virtually tour its western Pennsylvania operation and see how the company's lean management system has made problems visible in the manufacturing operations of breathing apparatus for fire fighters and head protection for construction workers. This same approach was carried into the NNA Purchasing Shared Service Center in 2022 through the deployment of a new stock out management software. The prioritization, cadence of review, and problem-solving and action tracking processes in the MSA Operating System came to life in the transaction buying processes during the most challenging supply chain time that most manufacturers have faced in their careers. Walk through the project selection, implementation and benefits that both the purchasing team and manufacturing operation achieved from applying these concepts and tools.
Company
Established in 1914, MSA Safety is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military.
MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel and fall protection devices. With 2021 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 5,200 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. www.msasafety.com
