OWENS PRODUCTS: Transforming Operations from Cost Management to Innovation
At Owens Products, we take pride in our commitment to both our business and our people. With MMTC’s guidance, we’ve enhanced operations, boosted efficiency, and fostered a workplace culture that drives sustainable growth and supports our team’s success.
-- Spencer Kirtley, Vice President
Established in 1965, Owens Products (www.owens-pro.com) specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of products and services, including fiberglass molding, fiberglass parts, metal fabrication, thermoplastic production, and various cargo solutions. The company also offers custom-engineered solutions for both business and consumer markets. Owens operates a 110,000-square-foot facility in Sturgis, Mich., employing 40 people.
Challenge
Owens Products sought to strengthen its financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability during a period of business transition. As experienced employees left the company, valuable operational knowledge was lost. Leadership wanted to better understand true costs, improve pricing accuracy, and refine profit margins. In addition, Owens was shifting from a primarily business-to-consumer model to a business-to-business model, which required a new strategic direction.
Solution
Owens Products requested assistance from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) to strengthen operations and support sustainable growth. MMTC worked with the company on a series of improvement initiatives, beginning with cost mentoring to update costing models, accurately capture overhead, and establish more precise pricing structures. Strategic Hoshin planning guided the development of a five-year plan focused on growth, workplace culture, and operational efficiency. Equipment upgrades, including the purchase of a new thermoforming machine, expanded production capabilities and prepared the company for increased demand, while facility expansions added dedicated areas for curing, gluing, and fiberglass work, giving Owens greater control over its production line. Together, these initiatives improved internal processes, enhanced production efficiency, and positioned Owens Products for sustainable growth.
Results
- New Investment: $80,000
- Increased Sales: 15%
- New Jobs: 2