LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers, has completed a Kaizen event that has reduced the cycle time of a key process in the production of a gas turbine component by 58%.
The Kaizen event -- a focused project used to improve a process -- evaluated a number of air flow bench processes, cutting the cycle time of a procedure required to prepare components for testing. The flow bench is used for testing internal aerodynamic qualities of turbine components.
The company used best practices developed by multiple LAI facilities in manufacturing turbine components to improve its ability to move product through the flow test cell, explains Frank Bailey, plant manager at LAI's manufacturing facility in Minneapolis, Minn. We have initiated joint efforts among LAI production facilities on the design and fabrication of tooling that will be used for all manufacturing operations performed by the locations toward achieving make-complete status on the turbine components.
All five of LAI's fabrication facilities are ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100 certified. LAI has best-in-class manufacturing design teams located at each of its production facilities, enabling optimized production throughput and quality.
LAI is an approved supplier for large potential growth manufacturing programs, including projects in green power plant technology, aircraft parts and sub-assemblies, and defense components. Revenues are forecast to reach $58 million in 2008, with an employment base projected at 350 by the end of the year.
Quick Facts: LAI International, Inc.
Founded: 1979
Mfg. facilities: Phoenix, Tucson, Minneapolis, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.
Website: www.laico.com
