Growth Manufacturers Case Study
- Mide Technology Corporation
- Innovation & Growth
Training Grant Leads to Improved Productivity
The Challenge
Mide was working with MassMEP and one of their training providers dealing with business management, strategic planning, and identifying target markets that was proving to be very productive. Mide expanded the conversation with the training provider and worked with MassMEP to develop a workforce training grant to fund continued training in Leadership for Growth for their management team. The grant also provided training for their employees such as Python training for engineers, Metrology, GD&T, FMEA, Value Stream Mapping, and Project Management. Mide’s On Time Delivery (OTD) was low and impacting customer satisfaction and billable revenue. Training was selected focused on making On Time Delivery improvements as well as implementing a new inventory management system to improve inventory accuracy.
The Solution
Leadership for Growth was very different from the other technical skills training such as Python, Metrology, GD&T, FMEA, Value Stream, and Project Management. Leadership for Growth explored different avenues for revenue planning, strategic planning, and looking at different markets that Mide might want to focus on. It delved into how best to define and understand those different markets as well as provided tactical tools about how to make contact with potential customers. Mide was able to work with the facilitator to learn to dig deeper to validate the opportunities that aligned with Mide’s strategic goals. The facilitator was also able to provide connections to other companies that might be interested in Mide’s technology. The entire process took place over fifteen-months and the senior management team found themselves thoroughly engaged.
Senior management also met with the trainers that were scheduled for the technical skills training. This ensured that training would be a good fit and was customized for Mide’s culture and environment. Project Management training was tailored to provide the best approach for Mide. Standard project management training focuses on a very structured approach, and the Mide environment would not fit well with Microsoft Project or other automated tools with regular status reporting. MassMEP took a very traditional training and adapted it to make sure Mide got the best value from it. Those being trained also reported that the trainer understood Mide’s needs and connected well with the class.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)VSM was conducted in parallel with a new inventory management system. The VSM process defined the as-is and future process which was useful as the new system was implemented. Inventory accuracy improved significantly. Drawing quality was improved through the GD&T and Metrology. The combination of the courses, new skills and inventory system all contributed to the 22.5% OTD improvement.
The Results
$119,891
In acquired valuable, customized training
$185,682
Workforce investment in wage those who attended training
55% to 77.5%
on time delivery increased from 55% to 77.5%
90% to 99%
Inventory accuracy went from 90% to 99%
Mide’s experience with Mass MEP began in 2015. I was involved with a TDMI Needs Assessment effort that Mass MEP arranged. This led into various Express Grants and finally to a full state level grant with Comm Corp. This past June 2024 Mide completed its second Comm Corp state grant. The growth of the relationship between Mass MEP/Comm Corp and Mide has established valuable instructional material over the years, but also a key resource/partnership during Mide’s growth and organizational changes. Mass MEP is an integral component of Mide’s training program, and I expect to see this continue into the future.
About Mide Technology Corporation
Midé Technology Corporation is a leading provider of advanced engineering products and services. Midé is committed to providing customers with high-quality deliverables that are on time, on budget, and meet their expectations through the use of a quality management system focused on continual improvement. Midé uses industry best practices in both execution and cost effectiveness. With the customer as part of the team, Midé generates innovative ideas, taking them from concept to product. Mide is a Hutchinson Company. Mide’s Brands include: enDAQ shock, vibration & environmental sensors & software; Piezo.com offering high-value piezoelectric products and expert solutions; Mide’s HydroActive Seal Products and solutions and Engineering Services and Solutions.