All-Plastics LLC has invested over $1 million in the past year in a drive to improve efficiencies and build a culture of continuous improvement.
“We're based on lean principles. When you think about scientific molding manufacturing, it means using lean manufacturing technology and creating a robust culture in All-Plastics,” said Thomas Houdeshell, president of All-Plastics of Addison, Texas, during a phone interview.
He said that the company has added RJG's eDarts, an IQMS system for its enterprise resource planning software, received ISO certification and started its own lean manufacturing program called the 6S for Success, stressing the safety aspect.
All-Plastics has also implemented more automation and robotics to its system. Overall, it has 70 employees working in a 30,000-square-foot facility. It earns about $10 million in revenue and utilizes 20 injection molding presses, ranging from 55 to 500 tons.
The company has been in business for 50 years. Houdeshell joined in 2013, bringing aboard his 25 plus years of experience in the plastics industry. He's been active in lean manufacturing principles for many years.
He said that they've invested in hardware, software and in training so that employees are pursuing quality objectives. Staff members receive quarterly rewards for the best kaizen improvement suggestions.
The company produces parts for a variety of industries, including medical, industrial, consumer goods and packaging. It complements its processing with added services such as assembly. All-Plastics has a full service quality lab and is also able to do its own in-house mold making.