Philosophy

Milliken & Company's Safety and Improvement Journey is based on our belief that there is never one “silver bullet” answer to improve manufacturing productivity, and even if there was, it wouldn’t be good enough to hold up to the changes of tomorrow. The Milliken & Company history is evidence of a constant search for better ways of working. For the past decade, Milliken has searched the world to learn from others, recognizing that best practices aren’t just limited to our industry. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve used that knowledge to develop our own total system to improve efficiency and productivity based upon lean manufacturing concepts.

However, we must use caution in just doing best practice initiatives. Sure, we take care of the low hanging fruit, at least for a little while, but there is always a plateau that follows. We’ve learned this lesson the hard way, but these experiences have led Milliken to understand there must be something more.

Fundamental Beliefs:

• A system-based approach is always superior to an initiative driven approach.
• Total engagement of the workforce is the foundation for all improvement.
• If we cannot show you how Milliken does it, it will not be offered.
• Only business practitioners that have been deeply involved in the process should be allowed to assist clients. (No external consultants)
• Success can only be obtained where there is leadership commitment and desire to improve manufacturing productivity.

Change Readiness

Since the early 1980s, Milliken & Company has been refining our procedures, applying lean manufacturing concepts to our manufacturing processes and discovering some common elements to successfully implement change. First, leadership must be committed, aligned and actively involved. Second, there must be organization. Third, all key associates must be educated on what they must know and do to make successful and sustainable change. Fourth, good measurement is critical—both output and process measures. Finally, meaningful recognition must be in place to help drive and sustain the improvement.

To best prepare your team for success,
Milliken Performance Solutions promises:

• We will host your leadership team for a 2-day visit at our facilities, educate you on the fundamentals of our processes and system, and allow you to witness firsthand the application of these processes and systems within one or more of our facilities.
• We will work with your organization to coordinate and conduct an assessment of your current situation to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Working with your team, we will develop an implementation plan based upon lean manufacturing concepts that is customized to meet the needs of your organization while coaching you through critical success factors.

Implementation

Based on our history of implementation, we have learned the importance of planning to successfully improve your manufacturing productivity.

• We work with clients to select the right models for their organization.
• We teach and apply the processes in specific, critical model areas of your organization.
• Based on the model’s successful implementation, a replication plan will be developed for your deployment throughout your organization
• You will develop a process to monitor the replication throughout your organization. This will enable the organization to sustain the system and results.
• All client associates are engaged throughout the implementation process to learn and develop new skills through the application.

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