Fortunately, Southwick said, MEP came along at just the right time. I was approached by MEP project manager Neil Prescott at a Maine Product Trade Show. He seemed to understand exactly the issues we were facing and knew people who could help us. Southwick contracted with Maine MEP to engage a consultant to help design the work flow pattern of the factory and study the company s manufacturing flow. One of Maine MEP s objectives is to introduce lean manufacturing concepts to small and medium size companies.
Lean manufacturing is an efficient production process that creates less waste and more product.
To learn firsthand the benefits of lean manufacturing, Southwick participated in a Lean 101 workshop entitled Buzz Electronics that simulated the results of a Lean manufacturing environment. The session inspired Southwick to incorporate lean manufacturing processes at North Country Bells. As a result, sales have increased and the company is better able to expand because it can keep delivery promises. Southwick said Maine MEP also helped them find a market consultant who designed an entirely new vision for their show displays, web site and brochure. We launched all of that in January, Southwick said.