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TIGG - Newterra Growth Journey in Heber Springs. Arkansas
With the help of: Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions
About
The Challenge
High demand for water purification of emerging chemicals by municipalities in the US has increased demand and lead times. The Heber Springs facility was limited by staffing and some process equipment. As they overcame one hurdle, another constraint appeared. The parent company was interested in investing in the growth, but needed a capacity model to know the current limits and capacity growth potential.
Partnership with Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) was instrumental in us meeting our increased product demand. They are manufacturing practitioners experienced with seeing the struggles of staffing, equipment, organization and finance of production facilities to assist us with relevant solutions. This AEDC team has the knowledge where to go in the State of Arkansas for knowledge (vendors, analytical support, training) and financial support (agencies in Economic Development) for us to gain the manufacturing growth to meet demand that we feel is possible in this small community.
MEP's Role
Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, part of the MEP National Network™, offered assistance through several engagements. After initially value stream mapping the entire tank making process, AMS assisted TIGG Newterra with utilizing technology transfer assistance grants (TTAGs) to engage long-time AMS third party partner experts to develop current and future state capacity models as well as a capital spending plan that maximized investments to increase capacity. AMS also assisted TIGG Newterra's engagement with the State of Arkansas Office of Skills Development to customize Grow Our Own training grants geared to create an internal welding training program for new hires that met the company's unique welding requirements.
The current operation has doubled in production capacity with increased employment over past 2 years. With additional employees and additional equipment, the Heber Springs TIGG Newterra facility is now well on the road to continuous improvement and successful growth.