Mindful Production.
Just as Steelcase product designers around the world strive to design intelligence into the company's spaceware, Steelcase manufacturing people work non-stop to design intelligence into its manufacturing processes. And they have achieved - and continue to achieve - quite spectacular results. Here's one typical example:
PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
A year ago, it took four days to turn cut flat sheet steel into a finished storage pedestal at Steelcase's Tustin, California, plant. Today, it takes about four hours.
As important, the manufacturing process that our Tustin people have created eliminates lifting (which eases back strain); reduces floor space (down 15,000 square feet); reduces rework and scrap (by 80 percent); and eliminates nearly $90,000 worth of inventory.
What's the impact of these process improvements on Tustin's storage pedestal line? A 95 percent reduction in work-in-process inventory; a 24 percent increase in efficiency; and a nine percent increase in sales per employee.
