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Manufacturing Innovation Blog
Powered by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Dillman Equipment Makes Sustainable Culture Change
Dillman Equipment of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and its 150 employees supply the asphalt industry with a complete line of asphalt plant equipment including asphalt storage silos, counterflow drum plants, coldfeed systems, recycle systems, baghouses, dust silos, air pollution control systems, portable asphalt plants, drag slats, transfer conveyors, plant controls, control houses, self-erect silos, asphalt storage tanks, parts, used asphalt plant equipment and field services.
To continually strengthen its position as a leader in the asphalt paving industry, Dillman Equipment sought to integrate Lean thinking throughout the organization for positive outcomes including increased capacity, improved quality, and enhanced competitiveness.
MOC has made all the difference in the world in changing our long-standing paradigm. With the help of MOC, Dillman is on a path to 'world class'.
—Tony Schwab, VP/General Manager
Project managers from the University of Wisconsin-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) initially worked with Dillman’s senior leadership team to develop a course of action for the upcoming couple of years. The main goal for the company was to involve all its staff to ensure initial buy-in and success of any changes, but more importantly, to develop a sustainable culture of continuous improvement and involvement.
MOC then facilitated many improvement events and change initiatives with teams throughout the company. All work areas were improved, a company-wide workplace organization process was implemented, a scheduling and workflow system was developed, more consistent drafting standards were put in place, and a new quality management system was implemented. Dillman continues to make operational improvements and develop stronger systems and processes.
Results
- Increased sales by more than $6.5 million
- Increased employment by 54 people
- Invested more than $100,000 in training, equipment and technology
- Increased overall cleanliness and general organization
- Increased company-wide knowledge base of Lean concepts
Could your company benefit from assistance with continuous improvement? Connect with your local MEP Center for more information.
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Wisconsin. The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
