LAI's Six Sigma Team Cuts Production Time 20% for Key Aerospace Component
Program
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A Six Sigma program recently
completed by LAI International, Inc. -- a leading supplier of precision
components and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers -- has
reduced production time by 20 percent for a critical structural aerospace
component.
A team of LAI employees in engineering, quality control and production
formed a team to complete a comprehensive Six Sigma study that includes
intensive workflow assessment, process analysis, value streaming and control
planning of a manufacturing process for a precision-manufactured structural
panel for a jet fighter.
"We also took every step off of our flowchart and measured the time to do
each and every step of the process," John Rogers, vice president of
operations, said. "The team examined key process input variables and studied
methods to do each step more efficiently." An evaluation seven months after
the Six Sigma project was completed revealed savings of $196,000 in the
program, related to a reduction in cycle times, more efficient inspections and
an overall reduction in production time by 20 percent.
Six Sigma removes variation within a process, decreasing opportunities for
defects. A Six Sigma process is defined as one with 3.4 defects per million
opportunities.
The aerospace sub-assembly program involves supply chain management of
multi-sequenced manufacturing processes, including material acquisition,
precision grinding, heat-treating, advanced waterjet machining, hot forming,
alpha-case removal, five-axis trimming, drilling, counter-sinking, hardware
installation, painting, finishing and inspection.
About LAI International
LAI is an approved supplier for large potential growth manufacturing
programs, including projects in green power plant technology, aircraft parts
and sub-assemblies, and defense components. Revenues are forecast to reach
$60 million in 2008, with an employment base projected at 350 by the end of
the year.
LAI continues to execute its strategy of expanding its capabilities by
taking on more of its customers' supply chain. LAI's acquisition in 2007 of
RTI, Scarborough, Maine, expanded its capabilities in manufacturing power
generation equipment. In addition, LAI operates four other manufacturing
facilities, dispersed in key manufacturing regions across North America, with
locations in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Tucson and Westminster, Md.
All five of LAI's fabrication facilities are ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100
certified. The company also offers NADCAP certified non-conventional
machining and welding processes. In addition, LAI has best-in-class
manufacturing design teams located at each of its production facilities,
enabling optimized production throughput and quality.
LAI is known for its experience in supply chain management of complex
manufacturing processes and its technical expertise in advanced waterjet
cutting, drilling and five-axis machining, as well as precision laser
processing, including laser cutting, drilling, welding, heat-treating and
five-axis machining. The company also offers high-speed CNC machining,
electrical discharge machining, including wire, plunge and hole-drilling EDM
processing, five-axis grinding, welding, conventional machining and certified
gage calibration. Additional capabilities include sheet metal fabrication,
tool design and air-flow inspection.
LAI was acquired by Spell Capital Partners, LLC, Minneapolis, Minn. Its
corporate headquarters are located in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information,
see http://www.LAIco.com.
SOURCE LAI International, Inc.
Matt Kalina, Director of Media Relations of LAI International, Inc.,
+1-480-348-5942, Ext. 365, MKalina@LAIco.com
