Superior Tube to Significantly Reduce Lead Times with New Draw Mill Processes
08/22/2014 - Superior Tube Company, a global leader in the manufacture of small diameter precision tubing for safety critical applications, has significantly reduced its lead times — from 30 weeks to just 6 weeks in some cases — by implementing a ‘pull system’ as part of a reconfiguration of its draw mill processes.
Focused primarily on two specific nickel-chromium alloys, 718 and 625, the improved production flow is setting new industry standards, enabling Superior Tube not only to achieve record lead times but also to offer correspondingly competitive prices. Based on lean principles and a minimizing of the amount of handling required, the initiative is being supported by the establishment of a dedicated Kaizen promotion office with a full-time responsibility for the reduction of waste.
Ben Huber, Superior Tube’s director of operations, commented: “Meeting, and indeed exceeding, customer expectations in terms of quality, delivery and price is a paramount commitment for us. The transformation of productivity in our Draw Mill being brought about by this latest initiative is a clear example of just how strong that commitment is.”
Ben Huber, Superior Tube’s director of operations, commented: “Meeting, and indeed exceeding, customer expectations in terms of quality, delivery and price is a paramount commitment for us. The transformation of productivity in our Draw Mill being brought about by this latest initiative is a clear example of just how strong that commitment is.”
