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Mid-States Aluminum begins Lean Six Sigma journey

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

Mid-States Aluminum Corporation had a busy year in 2006. With its primary focus being growth, the Wisconsin-based business made significant investments in infrastructure and process improvements to support its strategic plan.

Mid-States Aluminum has more than 300 customers worldwide and serves a diverse array of markets including medical, transportation, machinery and equipment, electronics, building and construction, and lighting.

In March 2006, Steve Peterson was appointed president and chief executive officer of the business. Peterson brought with him 30-plus years of manufacturing and managerial experience. Prior to his career at Mid-States Aluminum, he served as president and CEO of Giddings & Lewis.

Joe Colwin, owner of Mid-States Aluminum, since 1984, is still actively involved in the company and serves as chairman of the board.

A major focus in 2006, Mid-States Aluminum embarked on a Lean Six Sigma journey. Utilizing Lean Six Sigma practices in the company’s business philosophy will enable the company to eliminate waste and product deviation in its manufacturing processes.

"Six Sigma is all about the voice of the customer in the decision-making process and the new Lean Six Sigma practices will be the focus of Mid-States Aluminum’s ongoing business enhancement activities," Colwin said.

Mid-States Aluminum has made a number of operational improvements in 2006. "We have improved product flow throughout our facility and added more robotic cells to improve efficiency and increase productivity," stated Peterson.

Todd Boyer, director of sales and marketing commented, "In order to support our strategic growth objectives, we have added a full-time marketing associate, hired additional sales representatives in new geographic locations and re-aligned our existing sales team to support our strategic plan." Boyer has over 26 years of manufacturing experience; 19 years with Mid-States Aluminum.

"Our team of associates is the best in the industry. The culture here is phenomenal; we have a deep-seated sense of community; and strong ethics and values that are recognized and appreciated by our customers worldwide," said Boyer.

Mid-States Aluminum is a privately owned aluminum extruder, employing approximately 285 people in the Fond du Lac area. They provide a variety of in-house, value-added processes, including anodizing, which contribute to their shorter lead-times and control over quality. They are an ISO 9001:2000 certified facility.

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