You’ll have seen a typical theme operating by the weblog posts linked to Miller Fabrication Options’ sixtieth anniversary: that good, dedicated, modern individuals have been instrumental in our success. From our staff to our enterprise companions, we’re lucky to work with many expert craftsmen and specialists who assist us hone our capabilities and operations. That, in flip, permits us to persistently present international OEMs with high-quality merchandise at aggressive costs.
Every of those champions has helped mould Miller Fabrication Options into one of many nation’s largest OEM components producers. For this closing put up within the sixtieth anniversary collection, we wished to acknowledge two longtime consultants who’ve carried out numerous course of enhancements and lean manufacturing practices for us through the years: Jeff Sipes, who owns Again to Fundamentals, and John Boyer, president of J. E. Boyer Firm, Inc.
Jeff makes a speciality of operational upgrades and lean manufacturing, whereas John works with discrete laborious items producers to enhance operational efficiency. Each have been integral to our progress. We merely wouldn’t be the place we’re at this time with out them. Because of their steering and huge data, Miller is protected, environment friendly and efficient. That interprets to having the ability to preserve staff wholesome and prospects completely satisfied.
We not too long ago talked with Jeff and John about their experiences working with Miller. Right here’s what they needed to say:
Q: What do you do for Miller?
Jeff: I work with Wealthy Metal, director of lean manufacturing, in addition to all of the manufacturing departments and lots of the help processes, like planning, supplies, high quality, onboarding, gross sales and others. I assist them apply lean rules to realize steady enchancment. There’s a twin deal with the store flooring and on all of the components that impression the manufacturing circulation.
John: My work with Miller began with serving to them determine easy methods to extra persistently ship merchandise to their prospects on time. The connection has developed into many initiatives designed to assist enhance Miller’s operations. We’ve labored on gross sales and operations planning, working budgets, stock administration and bodily stock, scheduling, capability planning and on the choice/implementation of a contemporary, totally built-in, functionally full enterprise useful resource planning (ERP) system. One of many largest issues I’ve helped them do is to formally embody extra individuals in understanding the economics of the enterprise and the way their selections impression the corporate’s efficiency.
Q: How lengthy have you ever labored with Miller?
Jeff: We’re in our eleventh 12 months.
John: We began working collectively in 2011.
Q: How would you characterize Miller’s dedication to lean?
Jeff: Nicely, despite the fact that it began with a suggestion, just a little push, from a buyer, Miller in a short time embraced the concepts behind lean manufacturing. They acknowledged the potential and checked out lean rules systemically very early on. It was, and continues to be, a part of their organizational id and focus. Miller is dedicated to lean pondering, and I see proof of that in just about all the things the corporate does.
Q: How does firm management strategy the enterprise from a strategic perspective?
John: In our work collectively, virtually all the things we do includes 4 issues the corporate values:
- Being protected
- Doing excellent work
- Delivery on time
- Decreasing prices
So, we at all times speak about security, high quality, schedule and value, as a result of we all know if we do all these issues proper, the corporate shall be viable, serve prospects nicely and compete in our markets. Within the greater image, I work with the corporate to assist them be the:
- Most popular buyer provider;
- Capital magnet in monetary markets;
- Sought-after place of employment; and
- Enterprise of alternative locally.
Q: What’s one of many largest adjustments you’ve seen at Miller through the years?
Jeff: Miller has adopted the concept if we deal with rhythm and circulation, we are able to improve manufacturing cycles and enhance warehouse effectivity by decreasing pointless waste – the entire concept behind lean manufacturing. That idea drives a whole lot of Miller’s selections. A living proof is all of the intentional methods they’re managing and sustaining environment friendly flow-through and manufacturing rhythm of their new Pine Creek facility. Miller makes vital operational investments in lean as a result of they perceive how essential it’s.
John: I’ve seen Miller change into extra knowledge pushed. Extra selections are made primarily based on info and knowledge. Three particular issues that come to thoughts are gross sales and operations planning, the budgeting course of and using ERP. We upgraded the corporate’s entire info system a few years in the past and the corporate now makes use of ERP in a extra functionally full means.
We’ve performed a whole lot of work with the annual working funds, month-to-month updates and month-to-month funds critiques, which has resulted in a greater understanding of the corporate’s expenditures and money circulation. Now everybody who spends cash on the firm is aware of precisely what their budgets are and the way a lot they’ve spent. So, plant managers, for instance, can handle labor and provide prices extra successfully.
Q: Why do you suppose Miller has been profitable for 60 years?
Jeff: The corporate has a wealthy historical past. A part of their success has been their close-knit household. In a family-run enterprise, they’ve had the sort cooperation that has allowed them to work by challenges and attain clear selections collectively. I feel as Miller has embraced the notion that “we have to get higher and we’re going to get higher,” it has had a big optimistic impression on the monetary viability of the enterprise.
They’re utilizing lean and pondering at the next degree relating to how they handle all their programs. Wealthy retains the group in the end targeted and accountable, and [company President Eric Miller] makes lean a precedence. They’re dedicated to system-wide enhancements, and it has led to vital adjustments.
Additionally they do what an organization has to do in the event that they wish to keep in enterprise for 60 years: They arrive by for purchasers.
John: They’re good individuals. They work laborious and so they deal with their prospects and their staff. In the event you do all these issues, you’re going to achieve success.
Q: What does Miller imply to you?
Jeff: They’re a big, constant consumer for me, which is an enormous deal whenever you’re a small enterprise proprietor. They’ve been honest with me, and it’s a really respectful relationship. I’m blessed to have them as a consumer.
John: We have now enjoyable working collectively, and I really feel like I’ve made a distinction of their enterprise. That’s rewarding. If you really feel such as you’re making a optimistic distinction, and also you’re having enjoyable doing it, then it’s the best place to be. So, I advised Eric so long as I’ve the power and keep wholesome, I’m right here to assist.
