
Developing “Lean Line”
With our latex tubing processing area being the largest square foot department in KEP’s Winesburg facility, it’s important to continually assess its processes to ensure they are as lean as they can be. In a recent Kaizen, we put together a team to do just that – determine waste and improve the overall efficiency of this department.
In an effort to streamline processes, the team identified 18 non-value added steps in the cutting and pulling operation. They then developed a new line process called “Lean Line” to remove these steps, by effectively moving the air manifolds and including turnaround poles. This process reduces travel by an estimated 80 ft. per load and speeds up the processing, thus significantly increasing efficiency.
Kaizen Conclusion
In addition to this new stripline process, the team also came up with a list of future recommendations and actions to address, including converting all lines into a “Lean Line” and new processes for employee training. After a one year review, the team concluded that the personnel have effectively implemented the new process and are seeing successful results.
Related Articles
Benefits of Rubber Assembly Services
KEP’s Assembly Capabilities Kent Elastomer Products (KEP) is proud to offer a comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing capabilities and services, from manual and automated assembly services to inventory management and packaging. We have invested significant time and...
February 2023 Anniversaries
Celebrating Our February Anniversaries! We are full of love for our February team member's anniversaries! Maybe we sound like a broken record – but KEP truly wouldn’t be who we are today without these hardworking employees. Thank you to Cheri Thompson, our Director of...
Meet Tom Pilcavage!
Meet Tom Pilcavage! Tom Pilcavage has worked at our Kent facility for 14 years in Electrical Maintenance. In his job, Tom is in charge of the upkeep and improvement of our facility, always making sure production is maintained! Tom’s favorite day at work is one where...
Talk with KEP
Contact us.

We love a challenge.
What's yours?
Optimize efficiency?
Build a prototype?
Improve product or customer service?
Let's make it happen!