Center for Applied Research
and Technology Development
Welcome to Lean Manufacturing
Is your forest products business suffering on the bottom line? Our researchers, headed by Brian Brashaw, have introduced lean manufacturing techniques to 12 regional and Minnesota forest products companies. Productivity significantly increased at each company that participated in the training.
Examples
Northern Contours of Fergus Falls has reduced their lead-time by 80 percent while also reducing production costs. Ferche Millwork in Rice, Minn., reduced inventory levels by 20 percent, improved productivity and reduced floor space. These efficiencies continue to help companies stay competitive in a global market.