Converting to Cell Manufacturing Helps Facility Reach Safety Milestone

July 21, 2009
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.—TriMas Corp., a manufacturer of engineered and applied products, has announced that its Cequent Performance Products manufacturing plant in Goshen, Ind., has passed the one millionth-hour mark without having an injury that resulted in a lost work day.

The facility produces trailer products and accessories for the original equipment manufacturers, wholesaler-distributors and retailers. In particular, the plant fabricates trailer hitches, a process that entails a great deal of metalworking operations using saws, presses, drills and welding equipment.

The facility’s notable safety record was made possible through a program that started five years ago. The goal was to improve process flow and safety by converting to a cell manufacturing environment. Machine and assembly operations were organized into linked cell centers, which reduced material travel distances and increased visibility. These changes ultimately improved safety and ergonomics, reduced handling requirements and waste and decreased cycle times.