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News
Lexington is Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturer of the Year
Lexington Manufacturing received
the award of Midsize Manufacturer of the Year from the
Manufacturers Alliance, Minneapolis Minnesota. The company has
over 200 employees, two plants and its headquarters in Coon
Rapids as well as two plants in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The award recognizes Lexington’s
success in the implementation of lean manufacturing programs and
its willingness to share its lean experience and expertise with
other manufacturers. Lexington, incorporated in 1981, has gained
a reputation for high quality and on time delivery of window and
door components.
One of the first wood products
manufacturers in the region to master the CNC machining process,
Lexington’s innovative and continuous improvement culture led as
well to becoming a versatile veneer wrapper on products ranging
from wood base to vinyl, fiber glass and metals. Lexington is
now launching its own proprietary products - components for
architectural flush doors for fire rated door systems.
Bob Dimke, Lexington’s president accepted the award on behalf of the company’s employees at a ceremony hosted by the Manufacturers Alliance. During the ceremony, Brian Swanson, technical support manager, described Lexington’s approach to serving its customers. He credits implementation of lean manufacturing to their ability to meet customers’ needs. Prior to lean implementation, Lexington’s average lead time was three weeks. Now it’s 24 hours for 90% of their products.
Important elements, in addition Lean, contributing to Lexington’s success were outlined by Brian: employees pulled together to make lean tools work effectively; increased employee job satisfaction due to work being more rewarding - less waste, more shipped product; sharing by opening its doors to other manufacturers and learning by touring other plants. Two side benefits were less worker turnover and a dramatic reduction in workplace injuries.
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