Proud Recipient of the Manufacturing Excellence Award
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) recently announced Currier Plastics Inc. as the 2009 recipient of its Manufacturing Excellence Award for the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Auburn, N.Y. based custom design, injection and blow molding company is one of eight to receive the award that signifies high levels of excellence have been achieved and sustained during the past year.
In today’s volatile economy, it is necessary for companies to stay competitive in the global marketplace, as well as maintain profitability and stable customers. All award recipients recognized by AME are not only surviving, but are thriving despite the current economic conditions.
“Currier Plastics has not only increased profitability and efficiency, but has encouraged a company-wide strategic framework that maximizes growth and operational excellence,” said Ralph Keller, AME president. “With expert technicians working in their plant, Currier Plastics has been able to decrease accidents and inventory, as well as increase on-time delivery for their customers.”
Currier Plastics’ Auburn plant manufactures its custom products for numerous industries, including packaging, telecommunications, medical and pharmaceuticals. On the Lean journey since 2007, the company has been especially recognized for creating a three-tiered training program focused on talent and leadership development, and posting dramatic improvements in the last three years, including decreased cost of quality and increased profitability. Currier Plastics employs 100 people and provides its products in two countries. In 2008, Currier Plastics posted revenues of approximately $20 million.
“It takes patience and perseverance,” said Alan Gross, vice president of operations. “It’s not easy to change the culture. It takes time and consistency. It takes a lot of support from the top down. That support has come from the ownership group, the president and the executive team consistently over the past four years.”
AME’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards honor companies that demonstrate significant progress in their journeys toward enterprise excellence through continuous improvement over a three-year period.
