Who We Are and Why We Exist

The Lean Thinking Network (Previously- The Lean Network of Southcentral Pennsylvania)

Established in November 2004, the Lean Thinking Network’s objective is to leverage the collective knowledge, experience and motivation of the network to significantly improve the competitiveness and profitability of all member companies.

All members companies are actively and demonstratively pursuing becoming a waste free “Lean Enterprise” including production, service, finance, sales and administration. All members companies actively participate in the network, hosting meetings, sharing ideas and supporting one another and expect nothing less from new members.

Member companies shall meet this profile:

1. Actively and demonstratively in the process of becoming a Lean Enterprise.
2. Willingness to share Lean related information, processes, and techniques with the network.
3. Company size from 20 to 600 employees.
4. A variety of industries, predominately manufacturing and distribution, will be included.
5. Willingness to host a meeting at your facility

PAST EVENTS

11/4/04 Lean Network’s inaugural meeting at Misco Products.

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• ASK Foods, Inc.
• Clean Burn Inc.

Subject – Lean Flow

• Introductions
• Guided Plant Tour
• Group Discussion
• Introduction of our “Bulletin Board”

12/2/04 Lean Network’s second meeting at Reading Powder Coatings Inc.

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• ASK Foods, Inc.
• Clean Burn Inc.

Subject- Total Company “Buy In”

• Introductions
• Guided Plant Tour
• Group Discussion

1/13/05 Lean Network’s third meeting at Misco Products

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• ASK Foods, Inc.
• Clean Burn Inc.

Invited Guests:

• The Rose Corporation
• Clarity Associates

Subject – Group defined Kaizen/brainstorming

• Topic selected to brainstorm “Buy In”
• Defined group objective
• Determined multiple options and measures

2/24/05 Lean Network’s fourth meeting at Clean Burn Inc.

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• ASK Foods, Inc.
• Clean Burn Inc.
• The Rose Corporation

Subject – Supermarkets/Kanban/Visual Factory

• Introductions
• Guided Plant Tour
• PowerPoint presentation of “before” and “after” photos
• Group Discussion

4/21/05 Lean Network’s fifth meeting at The Rose Corporation

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• Clean Burn Inc.
• The Rose Corporation

Guest Companies present:

Berks Packing Company, Inc.
Reading Electric

Subject – Techniques to reduce bottlenecks and improve flow and capacity

• Introductions
• Guided Plant Tour
• Review of “current” and “future” Value Stream Maps
• Group Discussion

6/9/05 Lean Network’s sixth meeting at Misco Products

Member Companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• Clean Burn Inc.
• The Rose Corporation
* Yoder Brothers Inc.

Two Kaizen Breakout Sessions

1- Having what you need when you need it.
2- Effective performance measures
3- Breakout team presentations to network

6/27/05 Lean Thinking Network’s 7th meeting at Clean Burn Inc.

Member companies present:

• Misco Products
• Reading Powder Coatings
• Clean Burn Inc.
• The Rose Corporation
* Yoder Brothers Inc.

Subject: The Visual Factory / Kanban in action

9/26/05 Network’s 8th meeting at Yoder Brothers

Member companies present:

• Reading Powder Coatings
• Clean Burn Inc.
• The Rose Corporation
* Yoder Brothers Inc.

Subject: Plant tour, 5S and A3 Reporting

Testimonials:

The Lean Network of South-central Pennsylvania is an ideal learning environment for our employees at MISCO. Network events get key team members exposed to other organizations involved in Lean change and improvement projects and allows them to trade ideas. It is also nice to pull people out of working IN the business and have them focused working ON the business, which is always a struggle. Finally, the Lean Network is an excellent means of driving the commitment and philosophy of Lean down through the organization. Having some new and different people at each meeting is an excellent way to keep the network fresh and informative.

Anthony Byrne
President
Misco Products

_________________

This form of Network to me is a real eye-opener. There are issues that seem impossible from my corporate blinded point of view until I go and see how others have handled the same or similar issue with sometimes even more difficult variances. What seems though to accomplish here seems easy there and the other way around. The quote you found is the best argument for our Network. You cannot live long enough to make all the mistakes necessary to implement lean on your own.

The Real Value is easy; it’s a more efficient implementation and a great motivation booster.

Manuel Mayer
Plant Manager
Reading Powder Coatings, Inc.
__________________

I first want to thank you for inviting us to join you at Clean Burn. I was very impressed with what I heard and saw. Having an APICS background I was really impressed that some of the techniques of the BOK really work when put into practice. I was also floored by all of the team members who were so proud and took ownership of the projects that they were all working on and especially the nay sayer who admitted that he was against change, was very pleased that he had finally agreed it was great. Looking forward to attending another one in the future.

Michael Gerbasio Jr.
Distribution Supervisor
MISCO Products Corporation
Reading, PA 19605
__________________

It was really impressive to see first hand a company like Clean Burn who is 100 % dedicated to the Lean way of life. Clean Burn not only seems like a great company, they seem like a great team. THEY GET IT! I was very impressed in how quickly and easily they learned and implemented the 6’s. It just goes to show, if the whole company works as a team, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished. Thanks for the eye opening experience.

P.S. Those Kanban cards were awesome.

Mike Kauffman
Graphic Arts Coordinator
Misco Products Corporation
__________________

We find the Lean Network of South-central Pennsylvania (LNSCP) to be a real asset. Our people are able to see and hear how other companies are being successful and what problems they are having. In addition, hosting a network event provided a well-earned opportunity for those who have contributed to our success to get recognition and credit from other network companies who have “felt the pain” and understand the value.

Dave Wolf
President & CEO
Clean Burn Inc. and Mill Creek Inc.