“Our facility was originally set up for big runs of very little variety,” said Kathy Juckett, CEO. “Over the past 10 years, consumer demand has caused the variety of our product offerings to increase at an incredible rate. In order to keep up and perform to our standards, we’ve brought in the help of Honsha, Inc, a premier lean consulting group. We are committed to executing the levels of quality, delivery, and customer service we pride ourselves on.” Honsha Managing Partner Darril Wilburn said his San Diego-based company, which built a strong reputation by transforming companies using the TPS/Lean philosophy learned at Toyota, was excited to work with Telescope Casual Furniture to develop its lean capabilities. “TCF is a company with a great history and legacy,” he said. “As with many businesses, the market demands have evolved and its competitors have changed as a result of the global economy. Our job is to help TCF create a manufacturing system that is robust and flexible to meet current and future customer demands. We are working with TCF to apply lean concepts, principles and techniques which will deliver high quality, at the lowest cost in the shortest lead time to the customer. We’re really impressed by the excitement and engagement of all TCF employees in this process.” Honsha is currently working with TCF on a project in its Metal department that will allow for quick changeovers, more flexibility and a reduction in work-in-process inventory. Another project in the Welding department will better utilize team member’s talents by reducing non-value added steps in the process. Over the next several months, additional focus areas will be tackled. Telescope Casual Furniture has been producing quality furniture in the USA Since 1903 and has been based in Granville, N.Y. since 1921. As a leader in residential and commercial outdoor and casual furniture, Telescope offers high quality seating, tables, umbrellas, pool furniture and more, built to stand the test of time. For over 100 years Telescope has remained a remarkably successful family owned business, managed by the fourth and fifth generation of the Vanderminden family who currently employ more than 300 workers. Source: http://www.casualliving.com/article/490212-telescope-casual-furniture-implementing-lean-manufacturing-processes