Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping Reengineers Plant to Improve Efficiency

Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping, a leading manufacturer of precision metal stampings, announces its plan to reengineer the Cleveland manufacturing facility’s overall structure to become more efficient and leaner.

"We have developed a roadmap of opportunities that will eliminate non-value added activities in our manufacturing process. These improvements will make us a leaner organization by minimizing waste, reworking the plant layout to improve material flow and equipment utilization, and enhance our in-process quality," said Jerry Lynch, President, Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping. "This effort will keep the Cleveland plant a viable and competitive facility to handle our customers’ metal stamping needs."

The overall strategy will include a reengineering of the plant layout to improve the flow from incoming raw material to the shipment of finished product. Lean strategies are being used as each aspect of the improvement roadmap is addressed. Lynch is encouraged by the team’s initial successes but indicated that there is much more to come. Upon completion, the manufacturing space will be redefined and the tool room will be upgraded. New equipment, including a plasma welder and a new parts washer, will be added and multiple machine cells will be established during the process. Employees will also be trained and cross-trained with the goal of improved efficiencies.

"The lean initiatives that have been identified will be put in place by mid-2006, but, in reality, we will continue to address the lean strategies as we move forward," said Lynch.

By creating a more efficient organization, Bettcher is enhancing its already positive reputation in the metal stamping industry and reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Bettcher Amherst Metal Stamping offers high-volume runs of precision metal stampings including four-slide and multi-slide parts, wireforms, deep draw parts and large transfer-die stampings. The company specializes in metal stampings for the power tool, lawn & garden, household appliance, HVAC, heavy transportation and plumbing industries. In addition to their Cleveland, Ohio headquarters, they provide metal stampings to the Maquiladora region from their Reynosa, Mexico metal stamping facility near McAllen, Texas. For more information, visit the company website at www.BettcherLLC.com, email info@BettcherLLC.com, or call 216-267-0850.