When Karen Armstrong bought LCI Paper Company in May 2021, she was able to identify early on that she needed to implement change management. From her Green Belt background, Karen was able to see that LCI didn’t have any processes written down, and that was just one area needing improvement. Karen knew of MassMEP from a previous job and recognized that MassMEP could provide training that would help her to gain trust with her employees since she was a new owner and get them engaged in continuous improvement.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FACILITATES GROWTH FOR LCI
Growth Manufacturers Case Study

The Challenge
After discussion with MassMEP, aContinuous Improvement training plan was identified and implemented. Training for the entire company was kicked off with a Lego Lean Simulation that proved to be a great tool for introducing Lean terms, the 8 wastes, and techniques and for team building and getting people on board. This step was essential for effective change management. Following the Lego Lean Simulation, the focus shifted to training in Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and 5S Kaizens for the printing team and warehousing team. The teams learned a lot through the development of spaghetti diagrams and brainstorming new processes. The printing area had a new printing manager, and this was a good opportunity for her to learn the new processes and to put her new ideas into action. The printing team was primarily newer employees and open to change. They were able to identify areas to save a lot of steps. Some simple redundant tasks were streamlined, and new processes were established that resulted in increased productivity and improved inventory practices. The Continuous Improvement training plan was successful in ushering in change management and helping to support the sales growth that LCI was experiencing.
$55,000
Invested in new equipment
$24,000
In cost savings in print area from time saved
57.5 hours
Saved in the print area monthly
48%
Increase in sales
WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT US
"The opportunity to work with MassMEP through the Express Grant program was essential to help LCI Paper grow in an efficient manner. The MassMEP team is professional and has some great insight to change management and processes to create a lean environment. I am excited and thankful to be able to have additional training with MassMEP in 2023."
Karen Armstrong,
President/OwnerAbout LCI Paper Company
Located in central Massachusetts, LCI Paper Company offers high quality stationery products and unparalleled customer service to paper professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike. Stationery professionals turn to us as their one-stop shop for all their paper needs. We offer a wide selection of specialty papers, envelopes, card stock, and reception accessories for print and design. Printing, cutting, warehousing.

With MassMEP
MassMEP along with Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) provided training resulting in a transformational, company-wide training program that went way beyond just the shop floor. The customized training program changed the mindset within the company from reactionary to one with a clear business model and strategic goals. The training provided the company with clear training goals and objectives. Now, all new hires go through a whole week of training. New employees spend at least 30 minutes with each department, plus lunch with the owners. They also conduct a 30-60-90 day check in periods with new employees.