Released on: February 4, 2008, 12:47 pm

Press Release Author: VIBCO Vibrators

Industry: Industrial

Press Release Summary: Vibrating tables are often critical components of production
and product testing systems but typically have long lead times. VIBCO has
revolutionized the production of its vibrating tables and reduced lead times by more
than 70%.

Press Release Body: Vibrating tables are often critical components of production and
product testing systems. VIBCO US-TT vibrating tables are now available to ship same
or next day (vs. 2-4 weeks) and US-RD vibrating tables will ship within 10 business
days (vs. 4-6 weeks). VIBCO manufactures a complete line of standard vibrating
tables with an excellent reputation for quality and durability.

VIBCO ships its standard vibrators same or next day, but until recently vibrating
tables were an exception, largely because of sophisticated engineering and a complex
fabrication process. The result was long lead times - from 2 to 6 weeks, depending
on table style and size.

The foundation of VIBCO\'s lean manufacturing effort is a company-wide mission to
focus entirely on the voice of the customer. The table manufacturing team, led by
David Waldeck, Fabrication Shop Supervisor, accepted the challenge of meeting
customers\' demands for shorter lead times for vibrating tables. Prior to the
fabrication team\'s efforts, the lead time for standard VIBCO US-TT vibrating tables
was 2-4 weeks and US-RD tables\' lead time was 4-6 weeks. The VIBCO table team held a
Kaizen (change for the better) event to examine their processes to find ways to
dramatically reduce those lead times.

The Kaizen event included all members of the fabrication team, selected members of
other production teams, and selected members of the engineering and administration
teams. They examined the table fabrication process with the goal of finding faster,
more efficient ways of completing the table manufacturing process. The event
resulted in a 70% reduction in lead time with an increase in product quality and
craftsmanship. The reduction was accomplished by removing muda (waste) from the
process via improved build sequencing, location and availability of tools and
materials, presentation and availability of raw materials from suppliers, and
improved communication between administration, engineering, and the table
fabrication team.

The great news for VIBCO customers is that VIBCO\'s high quality, patented, live-top
vibrating tables can now be delivered faster with increased quality, durability and
craftsmanship. US-TT vibrating tables are now available to ship same or next day
(vs. 2-4 weeks) and US-RD vibrating tables will ship within 10 business days (vs.
4-6 weeks). That means that VIBCO customers will be able to have the vibrating
tables that they want, exactly when they want them.

An added benefit of this dramatic reduction in the manufacturing and lead times of
standard vibrating tables is that the table fabrication team now has increased
capacity to focus on improving the process for manufacturing VIBCO\'s custom
vibrating tables, too.

Founded in 1962, VIBCO, Inc. designs, manufacturers and markets a comprehensive
range of heavy-duty electric, pneumatic and hydraulic vibrators for construction and
industrial use. The company also designs, manufactures and markets a complete line
of vibratory plate compactors and rollers. The company is headquartered in Wyoming,
RI, USA. For more details and contact information, go to www.vibco.com.



Web Site: http://www.vibco.com

Contact Details: VIBCO Vibrators
75 Stilson Road
PO Box 8
Wyoming, RI 02898
800-633-0032
vibrators@vibco.com