GA Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) Georgia Tech

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Quality Success Stories

March 14, 2018 By

Manufacturing working completing a TS16949 quality inspection on automotive filters made in Waynesboro, Georgia.

Ingevity

Automotive Supplier Achieves IATF16949:2016 Certification and Expands Business

Manufacturing employee working in a paint booth optimized for efficiency and safety using lean tools and training

Southern Aluminum Finishing

Aluminum Manufacturer Paints a Picture of Cultural Significance

Student using wires

Georgia Tech Research Institute

Electronic Systems Laboratory Plugs into Success with ISO 9001 Certification

Imerys

Mining for Solutions

E. Don Smith discusses orders with a Precision Products Inc. employee.

Precision Products Inc.

Machine Shop Pursues Certification to Expand Business Opportunities

Robert Jenkins of Bellwether, Inc.

Bellwether

Machine Shop Uses ISO Certification to Define Long-term Goals

Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern

Yamaha

Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer Integrates OHSAS 18001 With Existing Systems

Lean and Process Improvement Success Stories

March 14, 2018 By

Worker in food manufacturing plant makes cheese.
Sweet Grass Dairy
Sweet Success: Craft Cheese Manufacturer Pivots During the Pandemic
Trenton Systems Success Story
Trenton Systems
Computer Manufacturer’s Sales Soar with Aerospace Certification
Phoenix Stamping Success Story
Phoenix Stamping
Veteran-Owned Manufacturer Creates Playbook for Success
Interface Success Story
Interface
Commercial Carpet Tile Manufacturer Uses Lean Thinking to Transform Their Facility
Freudenberg-NOK
Freudenberg-NOK
Freudenberg NOK Seals Up Their Communications Flow and Increases Responsiveness with Daily Tiered Meetings
Production employee inputting information into electronic Managing for Daily Improvement board at a manufacturing facility in August, Georgia.
Nutritional Resources
Weight Loss Product Manufacturer Gains a Healthier Approach to Problem Solving
Advanced Metal Components
Advanced Metal Components
Contract Manufacturer Improves the Process Around a New Business Venture
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Robin Builders
Southeast Georgia Manufacturer Prepares for Large Plant Expansion and Workforce Increase
Women wearing PPE working at plastic manufacturing palnt in Valdosta, Georgia
Lee Container
Container Company Cuts Costs through Process and Energy Improvements
Manufacturing employee working in a paint booth optimized for efficiency and safety using lean tools and training
Southern Aluminum Finishing
Aluminum Manufacturer Paints a Picture of Cultural Significance
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
LioChem
An Ongoing Partnership for Long-Term Success
Derrick Gordy, Founder and Co-CEO of FizzDOG, discusses a component of their product with David Apple, GaMEP Project Manager.
Fizz Dispense Optimization Group
Creating Business Growth Out of Thin Air
Employee at Goldens
Goldens’ Foundry and Machine Co.
One Hundred and Thirty Year Old Foundry Uses New Management System to Look Towards the Future
Imerys
Mining for Solutions
Employees at Healthy Pet use Lean tools for continuous improvement.
Healthy Pet
Pet Product Manufacturer uses Lean Tools to Increase Communication and Prepare for Expansion
Alan Barfoot, Central Georgia region manager at the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Brian Krafczyk, continuous improvement manager at Chicken of the Sea, discuss the company
Chicken of the Sea
A Company with a "Can" Do Attitude
Daily Improvement Walk at Seasons-4.
Seasons-4
A Season 4 Change
Problem Solving Team at Buhler Quality Yarns.
Buhler Quality Yarns
Yarn Manufacturer Un-Tangles the Problem
Man works on a production line making cleaning products.
Clean Control
Chemical Cleaning Manufacturer Trains Front Line Leaders
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Hotset
Manufacturer Makes the Move to a New Product and a New Place
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Yamaha
Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer Integrates OHSAS 18001 With Existing Systems
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Wesley International
Pallet Jack Manufacturer Organically Produces Change
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
TSI Solutions
Industrial Automation Company Finds Solutions Using Lean Tools and Growth Strategies
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
International Component Repair
Aerospace Repair Manufacturer Prepares for a More Efficient Process
Open Hand volunteers preparing meals.
Open Hand
Non-Profit Serves Up a Lean Culture to Become Better Stewards of their Funding
Forklift in Warehouse at Crider Foods.
Crider Foods
Canning Manufacturer Makes Improvements to Facilitate Business Growth
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
The Sign Brothers
Two Owners Sign Up for a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Addresses of Distinction
Addressing a Culture to Create Employee Empowerment
An Eton employee adds tickets to shirts.
Eton
Shirt Manufacturer Reconfigures Space and Process to Support Future Growth Plan

Strategy and Leadership Development Success Stories

March 14, 2018 By

Trenton Systems Success Story
Trenton Systems
Computer Manufacturer’s Sales Soar with Aerospace Certification
Isotec International Success Story
Isotec International
Chemical Manufacturer Balances Growth through Open Communication
Agriculture Manufacturer Sees Opportunity Through Customer Diversification
Poly Tech Industries
Agriculture Manufacturer Sees Opportunity Through Customer Diversification
EGO
E.G.O.
Appliance Heating and Controls Manufacturer Sparks New Ways to Grow Their 90-year Old Business
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
LioChem
An Ongoing Partnership for Long-Term Success
Scientist looking into a microscope
Sorbtech
Product Design Assistance Helps Bring New Technology to Market
Derrick Gordy, Founder and Co-CEO of FizzDOG, discusses a component of their product with David Apple, GaMEP Project Manager.
Fizz Dispense Optimization Group
Creating Business Growth Out of Thin Air
King of Pops employee packs popsicles into cart.
King of Pops
Peaches, Pecans, and…. Popsicles
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
Ankerpak
Strategic Planning Allows Small Manufacturer To Continue To Grow
A welder works at Super Lawn Trucks.
Super Lawn Trucks
Landscape Truck Manufacturer Grows Business by Rethinking Their Product Designs
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Hive Pattern
KontrolFreek
Gaming Manufacturer Takes Kontrol of a Niche in the Market

Business Growth Copy

March 14, 2018 By

Craig Cochran Headshot

Craig Cochran

Project Manager, Quality
Craig Cochran Headshot
Craig Cochran

Project Manager, Quality

Drawing on 20 years of industry experience, Craig Cochran consults, writes, and speaks on management, problem solving, and quality. He is the author of several books on quality and management, including ISO 9001:2015 in Plain English and Internal Auditing in Plain English: A Simple Guide to Super Effective ISO Audits.

Expertise: Quality, ISO 9001, Auditing, Problem Solving, Integrated Management Systems, Leadership Development, Culture Change.

Education: MBA from the University of Tennessee, B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Professional certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Exemplar Global.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@narhcoC.giarC
678-699-1690
Kelly Grissom Headshot

Kelly Grissom

Project Manager, Operational Excellence/Energy and Sustainability
Kelly Grissom Headshot
Kelly Grissom

Project Manager, Operational Excellence/Energy and Sustainability

Kelly Grissom works with companies on a variety of improvement projects including, energy and environmental assessments, layout and design projects, 5S, process flow, job instructions, and ISO system implementation.

Expertise: Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Systems (Steam, compressed air, process heating, chilled water, pumps & fans), Plant Layout and Design, Lean Process Improvement.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Science from Georgia Tech, Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certified.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@mossirG.ylleK
770-653-2366
Olivia Pitts

Olivia Pitts

Project Manager, Quality Management Systems
Olivia Pitts
Olivia Pitts

Project Manager, Quality Management Systems

Olivia Pitts specializing in implementing Quality Management Systems and completing other quality-related projects for manufacturers throughout the state. She utilizes knowledge gained through her extensive work experience in quality management in the printing and chemical manufacturing industries. She holds multiple certifications in quality management, is a certified Project Management Professional, and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Expertise: Quality Auditor, Organizational Excellence, Project Management, Certified Lead Auditor ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Education: Bachelor of Science - Printing Management from Georgia Southern University.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@sttip.aivilo
912-222-2820
Rodger Weyant Headshot

Rodger Weyant

Project Manager, Quality
Rodger Weyant Headshot
Rodger Weyant

Project Manager, Quality

Rodger Weyant provides quality and food-safety training, auditing, and coaching to help organizations improve their processes and meet customer, statutory, and legal requirements.

Expertise: Quality Systems, Integrated Management Systems, Problem Solving, Food Safety.

Education: MBA from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@tnayeW.regdoR
404-861-2612
Wendy White Headshot

Wendy White

Industry Manager, Food Safety and Quality
Wendy White Headshot
Wendy White

Industry Manager, Food Safety and Quality

By enhancing Food Safety and Quality Systems, Wendy White helps food companies achieve compliance with governmental regulations and exceed customer expectations. She holds leadership positions in the Georgia Association of Food Protection (GAFP) and the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP.) She also serves on the Editorial Board of Food Safety Magazine.

Expertise: HACCP, FSMA Food Safety Plans, Pre-requisite Programs, Recall/Crisis Planning, Supply Chain Management, Internal Auditing, and GFSI Audit Certification.

Education: M.S. Food Microbiology B.S. Biology from the University of Georgia.  She holds the Quality Auditor Certification from the American Society of Quality.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@etihW.ydneW
770-294-9637

Operational Excellence

March 14, 2018 By

Sam Darwin Headshot

Sam Darwin

Project Manager, Operational Excellence
Sam Darwin Headshot
Sam Darwin

Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Sam Darwin helps companies initiate and sustain successful lean manufacturing programs and provides logistics expertise.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Scheduling Systems, Sales and Operations Planning, Plant Layout and Design, Plant Management, Supply Chain, Warehouse and Distribution, Leadership Development.

Education: M.S. in Management from Georgia State University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University. Professional Engineer, Certified Logistics Professional.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@niwraD.maS
770-862-5312
Kelly Grissom Headshot

Kelly Grissom

Project Manager, Operational Excellence/Energy and Sustainability
Kelly Grissom Headshot
Kelly Grissom

Project Manager, Operational Excellence/Energy and Sustainability

Kelly Grissom works with companies on a variety of improvement projects including, energy and environmental assessments, layout and design projects, 5S, process flow, job instructions, and ISO system implementation.

Expertise: Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Systems (Steam, compressed air, process heating, chilled water, pumps & fans), Plant Layout and Design, Lean Process Improvement.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Science from Georgia Tech, Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certified.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@mossirG.ylleK
770-653-2366
Katie Hines

Katie Hines

Project Manager, Operational Excellence
Katie Hines
Katie Hines

Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Katie Hines uses her extensive experience in manufacturing engineering and quality management to drive process improvement efforts and provide cutting edge solutions for manufacturing companies throughout Georgia.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Process Optimization, Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping, Occupational Safety, Ergonomics.

Education: M.S. in Chemical Engineering, B.S. in Polymer and Fiber Engineering, and Graduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics from Auburn University.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@senih.eitak
478-342-9095
Vance Merritt

Vance Merritt

Project Manager, Operational Excellence
Vance Merritt
Vance Merritt

Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Vance Merritt works with manufacturing companies on process improvement projects designed to solve problems, increase efficiency, decrease waste, and improve communication. He draws on his 30 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles including plant manager, production manager, and quality manager, to provide insight and expertise to help them reach their goals.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Process Stability, Lean Six Sigma, Leading Cross-Functional Teams.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@ttirrem.ecnav
706-936-7253
Olivia Pitts

Olivia Pitts

Project Manager, Quality Management Systems
Olivia Pitts
Olivia Pitts

Project Manager, Quality Management Systems

Olivia Pitts specializing in implementing Quality Management Systems and completing other quality-related projects for manufacturers throughout the state. She utilizes knowledge gained through her extensive work experience in quality management in the printing and chemical manufacturing industries. She holds multiple certifications in quality management, is a certified Project Management Professional, and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Expertise: Quality Auditor, Organizational Excellence, Project Management, Certified Lead Auditor ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Education: Bachelor of Science - Printing Management from Georgia Southern University.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@sttip.aivilo
912-222-2820
Paul Todd

Paul Todd

Group Manager, Operational Excellence
Paul Todd
Paul Todd

Group Manager, Operational Excellence

Paul Todd leads the Operational Excellence team. In addition, he assists companies with the application of lean principles, process improvement tools, and change management through workshops, kaizen events, and shop-floor coaching.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Plant Management, Leadership Development, Culture Change, Problem Solving.

Education: B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Certified Training Within Industry Instructor, Member of the Board of Examiners for the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@ddoT.luaP
478-471-5382
Brad Wood

Brad Wood

Project Manager, Operational Excellence
Brad Wood
Brad Wood

Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Brad Wood helps clients achieve their goals through strategic lean implementation, transformation projects, and process improvement. Brad’s broad range of experience allows him to work effectively with many different industries and processes, from production and distribution to back end administrative functions and non-traditional operations.

Expertise: Lean Strategy and Deployment, Continuous Improvement, Leadership Development, Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, SMED, Management Operating Systems, Developing Problem Solvers Throughout an Organization.

Education: MBA from the University of Georgia, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Georgia Tech.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@doow.darb
678-451-7302
Bob Wray Headshot

Bob Wray

Project Manager, Operational Excellence
Bob Wray Headshot
Bob Wray

Project Manager, Operational Excellence

Bob Wray specializes in helping Georgia firms develop top-line growth strategies, lean project management skills, and product and process improvement techniques.

Expertise: Product Design, Product Development, Innovation, Mechanical Design, Project Management, Prototyping.

Education: MBA from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida. Certified Project Management Professional.

ude.hcetag.etavonninull@yarW.treboR
478-277-7816
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