Chambersburg, PA -- In August, approximately 45 Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC) leaders and employees increased their knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement (CPI). LEMC established a partnership with Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), Tobyhanna, PA and hosted two Process Improvement Specialists from TYAD's CPI Directorate. TYAD's subject matter experts instructed LEMC leadership on Lean and 6S concepts.
The Lean process seeks to identify and eliminate waste in work processes. "The improvements provide the customer with a quality product on time and at a cost savings, plus benefit the organization and employees," said Mr. Jeff Boruta, TYAD Process Improvement Specialist.
The instructors talked to the group about various Lean concepts including different Lean events and tools, the importance of Visual Management and the eight wastes of Lean. Chris Gogola, TYAD Lead Process Improvement Specialist, used practical examples found in every organization. He also explained how costly excess inventory is to an organization and the importance of documenting both processes and improvements.
6S is a Lean tool comprised of the concepts of sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain and safety. 6S allows the employees to work in a safe and organized work area and is a starting point for many continuous improvement processes. The instructors emphasized that Lean and 6S concepts can be used in both manufacturing and administrative areas, as well as at home.
"Lean training is a pillar of our Lean Six Sigma Redeployment Strategy and helps LEMC become more effective and efficient as we continue to be a 'best value' choice for the Joint Force," said LTC Trenton J. Conner.
The recent training is the first part of a Lean training rollout at LEMC. In the next few months, all LEMC employees will receive basic Lean and 6S training and some will participate in more advanced training.
"This training and Lean deployment reduces the cost of readiness for our Army and increases the Army's power to purchase valuable ammunition to train with," said Conner.
Both the partnership with TYAD and the training provided, which empowers employees to continuously improve their work processes, is invaluable to Army Materiel Command and the Department of Defense.
"I believe any partnership across the Organic Industrial base truly shows our joint commitment to the Warfighter. The true power of deploying any successful Lean journey is sharing what we have seen drive both succeed and fail and more importantly, how we have learned from both, "said Mr. Michael J. McKeefery, Chief, Process Improvement Division, TYAD. "We are excited to see what ideas these partnerships generate to further help us serve our customers."
LEMC is located on Letterkenny Army Depot and is a Government-Owned, Government-Operated installation. LEMC conducts regional and global distribution of munitions, provides missile maintenance, and conducts demilitarization of munitions for Joint Forces and international partner nations.
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