Process Equipment and Service Company, Inc. (PESCO) in Farmington believes in making an investment in people and relationships. That’s why the 50-year-old engineering, design and manufacturing company sends its newly-hired employees to workshops offered by New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The investment has paid off; PESCO’s more than 400 employees understand that their input is valued and small changes they identify can make a big difference in customer service and employee satisfaction.

PESCO prefers New Mexico MEP’s lean manufacturing workshop, but that’s just one training offered to businesses every month.

The core of lean manufacturing management philosophy is the idea that resources not creating value for a customer in the form of a product or service are wasted. While the Toyota Production System (TPS) is a relatively modern example of lean management, improving efficiency in the production of goods and services is a centuries-old idea.

Based on the premise that a lean operation is a profitable operation, New Mexico MEP — part of a nationwide network of nonprofit centers under the umbrella of the National Institute of Standards and Technology — helps managers and workers at New Mexico companies understand lean principles that can be applied to manufacturing operations, office procedures and business processes. The curriculum approaches training by simulating real-world situations, with MEP experts guiding participants through the transition from a traditional to a lean manufacturing environment, eliminating waste and increasing productivity in the process.

MEP principles are often applied to manufacturing industries, but the organization also teaches a workshop designed to eliminate unnecessary paperwork and procedures in offices and administrative settings. Other classes teach supervisors how to relate to employees, including how to motivate them, resolve conflicts, reduce accidents, decrease equipment damage and increase product quality and quantity. Businesses can also use the Partnership for Success program, a free Internet-based library and email subscription service that provides technical background and business information.

Workshops are offered monthly at New Mexico MEP’s Albuquerque training center, but classes and specialized training may also be held at a business’s location if there are enough participants. For example, the trainings for PESCO have taken place at San Juan College and at the PESCO facility in Farmington.

Craig Mayberry, Manager of Manufacturing Excellence at PESCO, said he regularly sends groups of 10-20 recently hired employees to the lean manufacturing workshops.

“If we have a new-hire who has been here six months, then we make that investment,” he said. Employees are paid while participating because PESCO wants to sustain its culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees to come up with new ideas.

“The workshops help people think about the work they’re doing,” said Mayberry. “Lean training opens their eyes. People begin to understand that a few small changes can make a big difference.”

MEP workshops have a nominal participation fee but funding options are available for qualifying businesses. For more information or to verify eligibility, call 505-262-0921.

New Mexico MEP serves businesses throughout the state from its offices in Albuquerque, Farmington and Las Cruces. Supported by federal, state and private funds, MEP provides experts in government, nonprofit organizations and industry who can help small and medium-sized companies become more competitive by showing how they can improve production processes, apply advanced technology and train workers to operate more efficiently. For more information, visit the New Mexico MEP website.

Finance New Mexico article 647