|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Cirtronics Corporation is a full-service contract electronic manufacturer, offering prototype through end-product builds of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies – with the emphasis on custom circuit boards. The company is dedicated to delivering the best possible product; an equal part of the company's mission is to provide a work environment that stimulates personal growth. When Cirtronics moved from batch manufacturing to lean manufacturing, the company needed to replace many of its old, awkwardly large, stationary tables with new individual workstations. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cirtronics was looking for workstations that would contribute to its goals of quicker turnarounds, lower inventory exposure, higher quality and more responsive delivery, while meeting the requirements of its own employees. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cirtronics was already using about 40 different workbenches from Lista throughout their facility, and was satisfied with everything these benches brought to the proverbial table. But the company wanted to give the employees a chance to experience all the options and be involved in the final decision-making process. After this hands-on trial period, the team decided to purchase 35 Align® Adjustable Height Workstations from Lista, to be used in every department including assembly, inspection, machining and many others.
According to Team Facilitator Irene Lemay, "Aesthetics and flexibility were two key traits that swayed the decision toward the Align workstation. The Align bench fits our high quality image. Competitive workbenches were not well made, and not pleasing to the eye. The Align bench is much more customizable than the competitive solutions, an extremely important attribute. We wanted a long term solution, not a quick fix. Lista's Align bench is a good choice because it can grow with us."
Ergonomic comfort and ease-of-operation were also big factors in the Cirtronics team opting for the Align workstation. "Our old stationary worktables were not ergonomic," says Cirtronics director of HR Training, Nancy Guidice. "Align benches are customized for each worker, both in terms of worksurface height and options. Thanks to the benches' Nexus accessory system, the lighting is completely adjustable and glare-free. The bins are stored on the Align shelves, which is much more efficient than having bins all over the table. We also now use an automatic re-supply system, meaning if one bin empties, there is another bin right behind it that is full of the same part."
Quality construction is another plus. "We were particularly impressed with the Align workstation's structural support, sturdiness and heavy gauge metal," adds Lemay. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now each employee has their own workspace, custom-configured for their needs. Prep/Assembler Kristin Betty says "It's so great having a bench that's this flexible. I look at my Align and think, 'Now this is my table.' " And Cirtronics has a workspace system that perfectly suits their lean manufacturing approach. Lemay concluded, "As we grow, we will definitely order more Align benches to suit our needs." | | |
|
 |