March 18th, 2021
Continuous Improvement Challenge: Bringing the Local Manufacturing Sector Together
Click here to download the article (Pdf)
March 18th, 2021.
Continuous Improvement Challenge: Bringing the Local Manufacturing Sector Together
The Annapolis Valley region has a robust and diverse manufacturing sector; producing and exporting products that range from food and beverage, biomedical, rubber, and paper (including paper industry supply). Manufacturing in the Annapolis Valley represents a significant number of jobs and a great deal of economic activity.
The manufacturing sector is an opportunity for growth; however, key issues need to be addressed to enable the continued success of the sector, which is instrumental in creating prosperous and sustainable Annapolis Valley communities. Through the Valley Manufacturing Taskforce, the Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) is engaging with leading manufacturers in the region to identify and address key challenges and opportunities for the sector.
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Challenge, organized by the Valley REN, is a hands-on learning opportunity that immerses participants in actively producing solutions through a continuous improvement process. Facilitated by manufacturing experts who provide support, the CI Challenge is peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, to identify strategic needs, establish baselines for improvement, prioritize root causes and implement solutions. Supporting manufacturers in their continuous improvement efforts helps improve products, services, and gain efficiencies in their processes.
“It was a great opportunity to collaborate with the Valley manufacturing community and assist in resolving roadblocks. There was value to be gained by all participants, that can be applied at our sites. Helping each other in this way will make our companies and communities stronger.” Chris Burke, Weaving/Finishing Manager, Andritz.
To date, two CI challenges have taken place, with Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. (Waterville facility), leading the facilitation of manufacturing expertise to the case study enterprises. During the sessions, pre-recorded video and live streams from within the facilities informed the cross-functional groups made up of staff from six manufacturing and production companies and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Valley REN. Over two days, Michelin employees led the group through a process of mapping people and product and data flow on the defined problem and collaborating to bring solutions forward.
“We always want to make things better. How can we make things better for the operator, how can we produce more, how can we have good productivity, good quality?” Rachel Morrison, Industrial Engineer, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., Waterville facility.
Groups focused on particular aspects of the business, as identified by the case study company.
While case study companies walked away with resources to improve deficiencies, all participants came away with a broader understanding of the processes.
“Businesses of all sizes create jobs and employ local talent, that’s why this initiative encompasses the largest employers and small business. We’ve been connecting manufacturers to help them draw from their biggest asset, their people.” Richelle Brown Redden, Economic Development Officer, Valley REN.
Thanks to Andritz, Eden Valley Poultry, Just Us Coffee Roasters Co-op, Schoolhouse Brewery, ACOA, NSBI and Michelin for their support in making the Continuous Improvement Challenge possible.
Click here to download the article (Pdf)
Continuous Improvement Challenge
Bringing The Local Manufacturing Sector Together To Collaborate On Business Issues
Early in 2020, manufacturers came together for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Workshop organized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and the Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN). The workshop event was held in January at Michelin in Waterville. It was at this event that the Valley REN announced the “Continuous Improvement Challenge”; a challenge to local manufacturers to assist other facilities and businesses in finding solutions for an issue they are working on. The idea for this continuous improvement leadership sharing came from a long-term Michelin team member.
Bringing the local manufacturing sector together to collaborate and address priority business issues is work that the Valley REN has been facilitating since 2018, when they established the Valley Manufacturing Taskforce. Supporting manufacturers in their continuous improvement efforts helps improve products, services, and gain efficiencies in their processes. Continuous improvement identifies strategic needs, establishes baselines for improvement, prioritizes root causes and implements solutions.
The Continuous Improvement Challenge was received with excitement, with many facilities and support organizations coming forward to participate. Four sessions were planned for the year, where cross-functional teams consisting of skilled industry professionals from local facilities and industry support organizations would work onsite with a facility on their challenge. The first event was planned when the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown happened, which put the events on hold. Thanks to the use of technology, a successful hybrid event took place on October 29th and 30th.
Pre-recorded video and live streams from within the facility being supported, informed the cross-functional team of staff from four manufacturers, ACOA and the Valley REN. Over two days, Michelin employees led the team through a process of mapping people/product and data flow on the defined problem and collaborating to bring solutions forward.
The Annapolis Valley region has a robust and diverse manufacturing sector; producing and exporting products that range from food and beverage, biomedical, rubber, and paper (including paper industry supply). “The Valley REN continues to be committed to supporting the Manufacturing Sector. This is an important sector in the Annapolis Valley. This sector not only employs a large number of people, but manufacturers in our region are leading exporters” says Jennifer Tufts, Valley Regional Enterprise Network CEO.
Does your facility have an issue that you would like to work on through continuous improvement leadership sharing? It could be in one of the following areas: limited output due to bottleneck post, need for cost reduction ideas, product flow issue, safety or ergonomic issue, changeover or tooling constraint, or quality issue. If you are interested in receiving support, please contact Richelle Brown Redden at the Valley REN: rbrownredden@valleyren.ca
Testimonials
“The CI workshop offered an ideal venue for local businesses to work together to create innovative solutions to issues facing our local business. The process used and the energy of the participants was extremely powerful. This is our Valley businesses working together to be more competitive” Bob Gaudet, Site Progress Advisor, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.
“I felt the event was aligned to our Strategic Framework, especially the Social Responsibility Pillar. We are active in the community, and we appreciate the fact we can collaborate with other business partners in the Valley to share best practices and resources. By doing this we support improvements for numerous businesses in the Valley, making them more sustainable. The Event was well planned and laid out, enjoyed the day and the opportunity to meet new contacts. It’s a good feeling to help other processers in the Valley.” Troy Lenihan, Director – CI & Operations, Eden Valley Poultry Inc.
“It was a great opportunity to collaborate with the Valley manufacturing community and assist in resolving roadblocks. There was value to be gained by all participants, that can be applied at our own sites. Helping each other in this way will make our companies and communities stronger” Chris Burke, Weaving/ Finishing Manager, Andritz
“This peer-based approach is exactly what ACOA hopes to see happen more often. Companies getting together to learn from each other to improve their operational processes. Continuous improvement is something many companies struggle to find time for, but something we all need to do to remain competitive and grow” Peter Wright, Economic Development Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“It was very exciting to collaborate with other manufacturers from our valley community. The level of engagement from all the participants was outstanding. I foresee positive results coming from this workshop.” Charles Travis, Member Owner, Production Supervisor, Just Us Coffee Roasters Co-Op.