Topic(s)
- Technology
This session will explore how MMCC applied lean tools to automate internal systems, from engineering release to shop floor execution, and the cultural and structural changes that enabled the transformation.
As a custom design/build integrator, no two projects are alike. So how do you automate when you don’t make “widgets?” This session shares how Melton Machine & Control Co. broke down that mindset and uncovered the repeatable patterns within its custom workflows. The team will explain how they established a common operational framework and developed standardized workflows that enabled automation. Finally, they will highlight examples of digital tools that reduced cost and freed capacity by eliminating non-value-added activities.
Key learning objectives
- Understand how to prepare your data (or parts) for automation
- Discover how to define your workflows (or processes) for automation
- Learn how to scale your processes
Company
Melton Machine & Control Company (MMCC) is a leading U.S.-based designer, builder and integrator of custom automated systems specializing in robotic welding, assembly, inspection and material handling solutions. Headquartered in Washington, Missouri, MMCC serves a diverse customer base in the automotive, agricultural, heavy equipment and general industrial markets.
With over 50 years of experience and a 365,000 square-foot vertically integrated manufacturing facility, MMCC provides turnkey automation solutions that combine mechanical and controls engineering expertise, in-house fabrication and precision machine building. The company is 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and driven by a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and long-term customer partnerships. https://meltonmachine.com/
Presenter
Jason Ketchel is the vice president of operations at Melton Machine & Control Company, a leading designer and integrator of automated welding and assembly systems. With over 20 years of experience spanning high-speed manufacturing and custom automation, Ketchel has led enterprise-wide initiatives that blend lean principles with digital transformation to drive scalable performance.
At MMCC, he has overseen the development of internal automation systems, including BOM integration tools, paperless vendor workflows and plant-wide management of the daily improvement (MDI) system. His leadership has been central to standardizing processes, developing succession pipelines and aligning engineering, manufacturing and integration teams under a unified continuous improvement strategy.
Prior to joining MMCC, Ketchel held engineering and operations roles with Ball Corporation and Anheuser-Busch’s Metal Container Corporation, where he developed a deep foundation in equipment reliability, safety systems and process efficiency. 
