MassMEP Training Helped to Focus on Process Improvement within Value Streams

Mercury Wire, a provider of custom cable and electronic assembly solutions based in Spencer, MA, has proven their commitment to continuous learning is enabling their mission to provide value and velocity to customers.

Mercury Wire wanted to take the next steps on their lean journey, further improve efficiencies, and gain insights into where advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are heading, so they contacted the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for assistance.

MEP Centers

As part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), MEP Centers offer training to manufacturers through a public-private cost share program that helps them “develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains.”

Through a MEP consortium training grant, Mercury Wire participated in collaborative training sessions with other companies. This model allows participants to share knowledge within a structured learning environment, while tailoring the training content to existing business needs.

Mercury Wire had been experiencing a significant increase in customer demand, so MassMEP helped customize the training to incorporate specific projects designed for throughput benefits for those customers, and to focus on process improvement within the company’s value streams.

Through MassMEP, Mercury Wire’s value stream leaders also attended an Industry 4.0 conference to learn about the future direction of industry and technology. In addition, the company attended seminars on Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance for the security of classified information in the defense supply chain.

In an article NIST published about Mercury Wire’s partnership with MEP, titled “‘Saving Humanity from Business as Usual’ – Company Mission Sets Stage for Success,” they spoke of Mercury Wire’s focus on process improvement with their value streams. The article goes on to say: “With MassMEP they were able to tailor the training to their needs and ran specific projects where they were experiencing a significant increase in customer demand. They targeted throughput benefits and gains for those teams/customers.”

Mercury Wire’s Results

With the implementation of process improvements, and the acceleration of their DFARS compliance, Mercury Wire reduced costs, increased sales, and created new jobs. Last year, the company won the Worcester Business Journal Award for Overall Excellence in Manufacturing, Small Company.

“The value of our relationship with MassMEP is about more than the knowledge and skills they have shared with Mercury over the years,” says Chris Yard, co-owner. “It is about our collective passion for learning along with the understanding that true learning is more than the simple transfer of information. It is about creating an experience where people can connect with learning as a journey fueled by curiosity, experimentation, falling down and getting back up.”

Click here to read the entire NIST article. For an in-depth look at how Mercury Wire defined and implemented their unique team-based learning culture and business model, click here.

About Mercury Wire 

Mercury Wire designs and manufactures wire and cable solutions across a vast range of industries. With a rich history of innovation, application of lean manufacturing best practices, and a solutions-oriented culture, Mercury Wire consistently provides its customers with the highest quality custom wire and cable solutions at the best possible value. Mercury Wire’s extended capabilities include design and prototyping, cable production, integrated assembly production, and delivery and inventory flow management. For more information, please visit www.mercurywire.com.

Media Contact Information:

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Website: www.mercurywire.com