Cohu, Inc. has won the prestigious P.E.A.K. award, an honor given to manufacturers that have demonstrated "Performance Excellence and Applied Knowledge." The Poway, California electronics manufacturer received the 2009 award late last month at a dinner at the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Training & Development for the performance of its subsidiaries, Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc. and Delta Design, Inc.
Delta Design is the leading supplier of semiconductor test-handling equipment and thermal solutions used by the global semiconductor industry. BMS produces microwave communications equipment for broadcasting sports venues, homeland security and military applications.
The Cohu subsidiaries both demonstrated impressive shifts this year in their work practices and decision-making processes. Karin Riggs, the Sr. Business Partner & Training Manager, said that after Delta Design took Six Sigma Green Belt Training that taught them the "DMAIC process," they increased the percentage of products manufactured to specifications after one try. The goal was to increase "first pass yield" by 40% on a key thermal component of their products. They have met the goal and are setting a new goal to increase first pass yield by an additional 40% Riggs said. The training taught employees how to establish their target goals, gather more meaningful data faster, improve the analysis of problems, brainstorm problem resolution in teams and implement and sustain long-term corrective actions. "This gave us better results earlier," Riggs added.
BMS earned its award largely for implementing Lean Manufacturing processes in their antenna production area. That meant altering the layout to allow for effective communication among workers. Riggs said BMS also reduced labor costs by spotlighting the wasted time trying to find parts. The company dropped 10% off assembly time and produced 25% more in less time with fewer employees.
Throughout the process, these companies used the services of California Manufacturing Technology Consulting™. "It was great to work with CMTC," Riggs said. "The instructors understood our business needs and how to get things to the next level."
To see a short video about this project and award visit http://www.astdsandiego.org
ABOUT CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING
A private, nonprofit corporation established in 1992, CMTC serves Los Angeles to San Diego/Imperial County. CMTC provides high value consulting services for improving management and production of high tech and traditional small and medium-size manufacturers. CMTC provides consulting services in the practice areas of Strategic Business, Lean Enterprise, Information Technology, Energy & GHG Emissions Reduction, Quality Improvement, Distribution and Supply Chain Management. For more information, visit www.cmtc.com
Contacts:
California Manufacturing Technology Consulting
Ellen McKewen,
310-263-3018
emckewen@cmtc.com
http://www.cmtc.com
