Minnesota's central region is projected to create nearly 90 percent of Minnesota's new manufacturing jobs by 2014. To bolster the region's ability to promote and strengthen the industry area leaders have formed the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA).

 

"We wanted to provide something that helps area manufacturers," said Harry Larson, business development specialist for Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. and CMMA membership committee chair.

 

The group, entering its second year, is hoping to attract additional members and continue growing to serve area manufacturers. In this last year alone CMMA has grown to 51 members and aims to attract 75 by the end of the year. "We thought there would be great interest in some effort to form a collaborative effort," said Linda Bessie, CMMA vice president and human resources manager at Komo Machine, Inc. in Sauk Rapids.

 

The group's members are located throughout central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, St. Joseph, Monticello and Foley. CMMA's goal is to help their members promote and strengthen the industry by providing education, resources, and building professional networks.

 

"Manufacturers in central Minnesota will find that CMMA has institutional value," said Bessie. "This association has value for all members whether in manufacturing or a supporting industry."

 

Bessie said that CMMA has hosted educational speakers on insurance issues, R&D tax credits, and the advantages of lean manufacturing. This past summer, they held a breakfast for members and area legislators to discuss public policy issues, and they plan to bring members to the State Capitol in early 2009 to share with local legislators the value of manufacturing to their region and the state as a whole.

 

Larson said that one of the greatest resources that CMMA can provide is connecting members with the resources to solve problems or find new ideas. "Our biggest resource is connecting people with others that might know an answer or have a solution."

 

For more information about CMMA membership, contact Harry Larson (harry.larson@enterpriseminnesota.org).

 

 

Interscapes Inc. is renewing its quest to eliminate unnecessary activity and improve workflow inside the company. After completing a Business Process Review at the end of 2007, the company is currently on pace to grow by 30 percent in 2008 - while facing a market that is down 20 percent.

 

Employing 35 people, and located in the heart of Minneapolis, Interscapes is an architectural woodworking firm that serves general contractors throughout the United States. They produce reception desks, wood cabinetry, and custom design woodwork primarily for commercial and office use.

 

In 2003, they entered their lean journey and, as a result, Interscapes grew nearly 20 percent annually for more than four years. However, they lost focus on lean initiatives and eventually their annual growth dropped to five percent. Interscapes saw a need to assess their current situation and plan for a successful future. With the help of Enterprise Minnesota, they decided that a Business Process Review was the best place to start.

 

A Business Process Review is a first step in taking a strategic approach to help improve a business. Using this nationally recognized assessment tool, a business is able to measure performance against globally competitive criteria.

 

"For most companies, there is no shortage of opportunities to improve, just a shortage of time and resources," said Enterprise Minnesota specialist Mary Connor, who worked with Interscapes Inc. on the project. "A Business Process Review helps identify and prioritize improvements."

 

Ron Lyrek, president of Interscapes, and his employees began the Business Process Review by completing survey evaluations of their organization. Interscapes employees and leadership analyzed operations from an internal perspective - being fair to judge strengths and limitations. After providing their information, Interscapes hosted Enterprise Minnesota specialists for an on-site evaluation of their operations.

 

Enterprise Minnesota's goal was to provide an outside, impartial perspective in the Business Process Review. They reviewed six key categories including management, marketing, operations, quality, health and safety, and technology. Enterprise Minnesota brought together all of the survey results and on-site analysis in the final Business Process Review report.

 

Interscapes Business Process Review identified areas of strength and weakness and targeted competitive areas for improvement. Wanting to continue their Lean journey, Interscapes began utilizing the Business Process Review to improve efficiency and grow business. They developed an IT disaster plan and transformed their office using Lean techniques.

 

The resulting changes have eliminated waste, increased efficiency, and made better use of staff resources. Notably, after using the information in the BPR, Interscapes identified and eliminated office inefficiencies that have shortened lead times by eight percent.

 

"The Business Process Review gave us a compass and direction," said Lyrek. "It provided a baseline to see where we were weak and strong. Now we're together and on the same page to set priorities and plan."

 

To keep up with new growth, Interscapes added a new engineering position and eliminated outsourcing some of their work. The company plans to use the Business Process Review to further improve business and continue on their Lean journey.

 

 

• Companies Awarded Honors: Nine Minnesota companies that have succeeded in developing markets overseas are the recipients of the 2008 Governor's International Trade Awards from the Minnesota Trade Office. The companies were announced earlier this month and include Davisco Foods International, Harmony Enterprises Inc., Hysitron Inc., Lion Precision, Nonin Medical Inc., Nova Tech Engineering, Red Wing Shoe Co. Inc., SJE-Rhombus, and St. Jude Medical Inc.

 

• Tekne Award Winners: 2008 Tekne winners were announced this month, with notable awards going to Cymbet Corporation in the Advanced Manufacturing- Small & Growing category, and to 3M in the established category. Also honored were individuals whose achievements in science and technology have made lasting contributions to the state. These individuals are the first inductees into the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame and include Earl Bakken, Seymour Cray, Richard P. Daly, H. Ted Davis, Charles M. Denny, Jr., Dr. Bernice Folz, William George, Larry Jodsaas, William C. Norris, and Lawrence Perlman.

 

• Green Star Facility: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently awarded Diversified Plastics Inc. of Minneapolis as a Minnesota Green Star Facility, making it the state's first injection molder to receive the award. MPCA awards Green Star facilities following an audit by the agency that acknowledges compliance with all applicable environmental requirements.

 

• Baldrige Award Reviewers Wanted: Each year the Baldrige Program recruits experts from business, education organizations, health care providers, nonprofits and other groups to serve on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The application form for the 2009 Board of Examiners will be available online starting Nov. 5, 2008. Applications must be submitted electronically; the deadline is 2 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 6, 2009.

 

• State Economy: Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped 0.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted 5.9 percent in September, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Minnesota employers cut 2,300 jobs in September, reflecting a continued national economic slowdown. Over the past 12 months, employment in Minnesota has declined 0.7 percent, while the nation has declined 0.4 percent.

 

• Deadline Approaching: The IDEA Competition deadline, November 15, 2008 is fast approaching. Up to ten thousand dollars cash will be awarded to five breakthrough ideas to help launch a business. IDEA (which stands for Ingenuity Drives Entrepreneur Acceleration) is a project of Ingenuity Frontier, a collaboration of partners joined by a common purpose - to grow the economy of Northwest Minnesota by outfitting the next generation of homegrown innovators for success in the global marketplace. For more information, open the attached flyer or visit www.ideacompetition.org.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Creating Profit Through a Lean Journey
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Open Systems, Inc. Shakopee

Implementing Lean in your workplace isn't just a one-and-done project. Truly successful companies travel the Lean Journey - implementing Lean long-term, and throughout the entire company. More than just creating greater efficiency, it is creating profit through a Lean Journey. Hear how a panel of experts has found success by embracing change, seeking out new opportunities, empowering their employees, and continually looking for new ways to improve their processes and systems. Speakers include:
• Rob Tracy, president & CEO, Intek Plastics
• Sam Wagner, director of advanced manufacturing, Donnelly Custom Manufacturing
• Dave Krueger, vice president of sales & marketing, Quality Tool
• Dave Goodwin, CEO, Reviva

Register at www.enterpriseminnesota.org

 

Gaining an Edge: Critical Thinking for Improved Decision Making
Friday, November 21, 2008
Waconia AmericInn, Waconia
For more information, email jlwalters@charter.net

 

Six Sigma Forum
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ecolab Research Center, Eagan
More information visit http://www.councilforquality.org/

 

Grow Minnesota! Annual Meeting
How To Compete In Today's Economy
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hilton Minneapolis
Register Online

 

Do you have news or events to submit? Email them to nate.duoss@enterpriseminnesota.org or call 612.455.4213