University of Washington: Keen on Lean
Faced with a deficit just two years ago, the University of Washington’s in-plant has turned its financial situation around and repositioned itself for success by implementing Lean production practices.
"There was less work for all of our operations," Davis reports. "We had to continue to transform ourselves and look for new revenue streams. It was about survival for us."
Rethinking Equipment Investments
In the past, the in-plant had looked to new technology to boost revenue.
"We've spent millions of dollars around here on equipment over the years, but we got to the point where that wasn't an option anymore," Davis admits. "This time around, we couldn't invest in new presses. We couldn't responsibly request funding for them as there wasn't enough work to do to justify a major press purchase. Equipment investments are still made as needed, but on a much smaller scale."
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