Topic(s)
- Product development
Hear how Watts transformed the regulator value stream with 11 cells over the course of one-and-a-half years, with a cross-functional team consisting of planning, engineering, maintenance, and a value stream leadership.
Learn about the results of all the changes made during Watts regulator value stream transformation, including 15 percent improvement in productivity, 100 percent participation in CI activities, reduced downtime, inventory and scrap, and much more. After completing the regulator value stream transformation, the company started a transformation in another large department and took the lessons learned to heart. Hear how this transformation has been easier in some aspects due to implementing better support systems, machine planning, kaizen planning, and kaizen execution.
Watts Water Technologies is $1.4B leader in water technology products, based in the Boston area. Through its subsidiaries, it is a global provider of plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions for residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial settings. Watts offers one of the most varied plumbing, heating, and water quality product lines in the world. Watts has a global presence and the Franklin facility is the largest with two foundries, leaded and low lead, a manufacturing plant, and a distribution center on its campus. www.watts.com
Lee Walthousen is the continuous improvement manager and value stream manager at Watts Water Technologies. He has 20 years of experience in continuous improvement, and has been a lean practitioner since being Shingijutsu trained through Boeing in the late 90s. Walthousen has a BS degree and ME degree in industrial engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 
Brian Murphy is the value stream manager at Watts Water Technologies. He has been leading operational excellence programs in manufacturing environments for 15 years. Murphy has a BS degree in industrial hygiene environmental toxicology from Clarkson University.
