HAPPY HOWIE'S: Achieves All Natural Results With Lean Improvements
Our first experience with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center was well worth the investment. Their knowledge of lean manufacturing helped us redesign our packaging department with very little time and resources. The results were immediate. Waste went down while order accuracy and productivity went up. Plus the team is happier. We will definitely bring them back for more projects.
-- David Collado, President-Happy Howie’s
Happy Howie’s (www.happyhowies.com) is a manufacturer of 100% all natural pet treats. Located in Detroit, MI, Happy Howie’s employs 14 dedicated team members and was founded in 2006.
Challenge
Happy Howie’s came to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) in need of assistance streamlining their packaging process. Their existing process was time consuming and cumbersome. With The Center’s help through lean training, this process was improved and allowed Happy Howie’s to increase packaging efficiency and better utilize its resources and staff. After these changes were made, however, the company was having trouble tracking the impact of these improvements. Because they didn’t have any metrics or measurement procedures in place, Happy Howie’s had to start from scratch with The Center’s help.
Solution
After conducting a waste walk with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Happy Howie’s participated in a three-day lean training program to improve its packaging process. With The Center’s guidance, Happy Howie’s rearranged their facilities and ordered new equipment which helped reduce packaging times. The improved packaging process allowed them to be more productive much more quickly. This also freed up staff members to assist in other areas of the company. As a follow up project, The Center returned to Happy Howie’s to ensure they were tracking factors like on time deliveries, sales and number of retail displays featuring their products. By establishing a set of metrics and methods with which to track them, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center developed a platform for the Happy Howie’s team to use to demonstrate just how well the company was progressing and growing.
Results
- Weekly On-Time Deliveries Increased by More than 500%
- Orders Shipped Increased by 127%
- Increased Sales of $600,000