Written by: Ezequiel Sheets
December, 2024- Manufacturers need to commit to leading the industry through innovation, embracing cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking strategy. Hougen Manufacturing has learned, over decades of experience, that investing in talent, fostering a culture of excellence and driving continuous improvement are key to long-term protability and growth.
Integrating advanced tools and lean methodologies allows manufacturers to meet today’s challenges head on and prepare for tomorrow’s needs. These strategic changes optimize workow, eliminate ineciencies and enhance productivity, ensuring continuous delivery of the high-quality products that customers expect.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE
The heart of Hougen’s transformation is its unwavering commitment to people. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and we empower our personnel with the resources, knowledge and support they need to thrive. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and collaboration, we create an environment where every team member feels valued and integral to the company’s collective success.
Hougen’s leadership team guides the organization through change with clear communication, dened goals and a steadfast commitment to maintaining a people-rst culture. Ensuring employees understand their roles and can access the necessary tools and training builds a resilient workforce capable of driving success at every level.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Hougen’s embrace of lean manufacturing principles is a cornerstone of our operational success. We have adopted key lean principles to guide our operations, ensuring we remain agile and ecient in a competitive landscape and enhance workow management, inventory optimization and response to demand changes:
• Kanban and visual KPIs display results and inventory levels throughout the business.
• Gemba Walks engage teams and upper management.
• The 80-20 principle streamlines scheduling and classies components into A-B-C segments.
• Single-minute exchange of die (SMED) optimizes setups.
• The 5 Why Methodology helps digs deeper into problems and nd the solutions to underlying issues.
In tandem with kanban, Hougen is employing Six Sigma’s statistical tools to drive quality improvements. Analyzing data and identifying root causes of variation reduces defects and ensures every product meets stringent quality standards.
Hougen also follows the 5S principle to improve eciency and safety. Organizing the workspace, maintaining cleanliness and standardizing procedures boosts productivity, reduces risks and promotes safety.
Furthermore, we integrate the Kaizen philosophy into our daily operations. Focusing on minor, incremental improvements encourages employees to enhance their work processes. This continuous improvement mindset sustains long-term growth and exibility in the face of evolving industry demands.
REAL-TIME INSIGHTS
Integrating value stream mapping signicantly advances operational excellence. This tool allows us to visualize and analyze the ow of materials and information through our operations, pinpointing ineciencies and implementing targeted improvements to streamline production.
Hougen also has introduced the Machine Metrics platform into its manufacturing process. This cutting-edge technology enables real-time machine performance monitoring, allowing data-driven analysis that drives operational enhancements. Leveraging real-time insights quickly addresses issues, optimizes machine usage and unlocks new productivity levels.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Commitment to excellence needs to extend beyond production processes. Hougen has adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to ensure alignment across the organization. EOS provides a structured framework that realigns organizational focus, clearly denes goals and streamlines decision-making processes. This has reinvigorated our workforce, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and commitment at all company levels.
Adopting EOS creates a cohesive strategy supporting short-term operational objectives and long-term growth aspirations. This alignment empowers the leadership team to make informed decisions that positively impact every aspect of the business.
FUTURE VISION
Hougen Manufacturing’s leadership team, driven by a commitment to excellence, continually pushes the organization to new heights. A visionary approach and unwavering determination allows the company not only to react to industry changes but also actively shape the future of manufacturing. The relentless focus on innovation, continuous improvement and strategic alignment positions the company as a leader within the industry.
Looking ahead, we are condent that our steps will fuel future growth, ensuring that Hougen remains a leader in the manufacturing space for decades to come. Empowering our people, embracing advanced technology and staying true to our principles will poise the company for continued success, ready to seize new opportunities and overcome the challenges of tomorrow.
EZEQUIEL SHEETS is director of operations at Hougen Manufacturing/Blair/Trak-Star (hougen.com, 800/426-7818). He has over a decade of experience in lean manufacturing, EOS and executive operations.