XeteX, Inc.

Profile

Location: La Crosse, WI
Headquarters: Coon Rapids, MN
No. of Employees: 38

Products: Design and manufacture energy efficient heating, ventilating, and cooling systems that feature air-to-air energy recovery/heat transfer technologies used in commercial, industrial, hospitality, schools, and other public buildings from improved indoor air quality

NWMOC Projects: Strategy Planning, Milestone Scheduling Systems, Lean Training, 5S Visual Systems

Situation

XeteX experienced dramatic growth over the past few years. Higher volumes and more complex products stressed their production scheduling system, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage the supply and delivery of consumables and purchased components while meeting delivery dates. Rapid expansion of 
their assembly areas also created inefficient processes.

Project

NWMOC project managers met with the leadership team and developed key goals and a plan to accomplish them. One of the main goals was to involve all of their employees in the process of improvement. A one-day lean workshop for everyone provided a chance to learn about lean principles and work together to see them demonstrated in the simulation production factory.  

To immediately apply the lean concepts to their own facility, a pilot 5S event was conducted. Based on that event, it was decided the maximum benefit would be obtained from a large event that would encompass the entire production plant at one time. People with previously unknown and untapped talents changed the entire plant into a much more effective workplace. The XeteX leadership team was amazed at their talents. Since that event, they continually change and further improve their work areas.  

A Milestone Scheduling System was also developed that was easy to use, that helped them develop better staffing plans and better identify due dates for purchased components, and that enabled them to plan scheduled shipping dates more precisely. This system has also become an effective communication tool with their engineering and purchasing groups. 

Results

• Implemented a vendor-managed inventory system that eliminates 95% of stock-outs and saves time
• Developed a scheduling system to enable control of intermediate production milestones that increased quality, reduced costs, and significantly improved on-time deliver
• 5S Workplace Organization reduced foot travel within the production areas by 240 hours annually and cleaned up the work areas that show well to visiting clients
• Increased productivity by 10%