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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2003 |
For more information please contact: Jack Healy MassMEP Tel: 508-831-7020 Email: jackh@massmep.org |
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The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) offers resources that help local manufacturers continuously streamline their processes and maximize production. Recently the MassMEP conducted a Collaborative Continuous Improvement Training program for five local companies including Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (VSEA). Headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Varian Semiconductor designs, manufacturers and markets ion implantation equipment used for manufacturing semiconductors. Varian Semiconductor’s equipment is used to implant ions onto more than 5 million silicon wafers every day. These wafers are then manufactured into integrated circuits or microprocessors that help power everything from the Internet to personal computers and telecommunications equipment. The workshop Varian Semiconductor and other companies attended is designed to introduce and implement Lean Manufacturing improvements into their respective companies. Lean implementation involves simple but effective systems that reduce inventories, clear shop floors and streamline production processes all with a goal of decreasing costs. The MassMEP workshops include several Lean techniques and each company selected a specific pilot project for their facilities. Varian Semiconductor selected a project that centered on their production area for high voltage generators. "We conducted a 5-S Kaizen which is a short burst of activity to make a small improvement over two or three days with a goal of making large gains in efficiency and productivity," said Joe Rizzo, MassMEP Project Manager. "We ended up doing 5-S and workspace improvements including cell design that combined the workspace for two operators building sections of generators and moved all of the necessary parts closer to their area." Working together, the MassMEP and Varian Semiconductor teams cut operator walking distance significantly, with a potential to reduce total walking distance further. Inventory has been reduced and build time has been reduced by more than four hours. "The training provided by Joe Rizzo and the MassMEP team has provided an excellent foundation for the implementation of the Lean philosophy throughout our company," said Bill Monroe, Varian Semiconductor’s Product Line Materials Manager. "Those who attended the original classes have become the facilitators in each of the new methods of completing jobs and they’re passing it on to others in the company so that we can have maximum exposure at minimal cost. We have concluded that implementation of the Lean principles will help us to reach our strategic goals." MassMEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2,000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits and enhanced global competitiveness. For more information on the services Mass MEP project managers provide, contact the Worcester office at (508) 831-7020. |
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