Success Story Powered by Statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Member AM&T
Groton, NY based C&D Assembly, Inc, founded in 1992 is a privately held company with 30 employees. With a dedicated workforce exhibiting a “Do Whatever It Takes” attitude coupled with the loyalty of their customers, and support of their vendors, they have steadily grown into a full-service contract manufacturer equipped to perform automated surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole assembly. They also offer a variety of board testing services.
The company specializes in rapid prototype and low-to-mid volume, high-mix contract manufacturing. Their existing floor layout constrained process flow in the final steps of production leading to increased inventory of works in progress and excessive handling of pieces in these last steps of production.
MEP’s Role
Recognizing these hurdles would challenge their ability to remain competitive and accommodate increased volume, C&D Assembly reached out to New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership member AM&T to assist with identification of specific improvements in the layout of their facility and optimize the use of that facility’s space in order to increase product flow through production.  AM&T created and executed a customized approach by conducting project planning and preparation activities. This included creating a project charter and collecting and reviewing process information including existing facility layout and collecting information and data on current process. AM&T provided Lean manufacturing principles and tools training for the project team focused on flow, best batch sizing, WIP caps and waste reduction. AM&T also conducted a multi-day flow improvement event focused on selective solder through pack and ship to identify facility changes, and equipment moves needed. An implementation plan to implement changes was created as a result.
AM&T also performed monitoring of the implementation plan, coaching, and consulting support. As part of this, support was provided during implementation activities. The Center also participated in monitoring implementation activities to ensure an on-time completion of identified changes.
“We have worked with AM&T for many years, on many projects. Great people great service! Would not be where I am without this team! ”
Results:
- C&D Assembly was able to implement changes to increase throughput and efficiency of their production processes
