This article is reprinted with permission from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
Committed to World-Class Products & Employee Upskilling
COMPANY PROFILE: k-Space Associates, Inc. (www.k-space.com) is a leading global supplier of advanced metrology systems for thin-film and industrial metrology applications. k-Space serves over 1,000 companies, government agencies and universities spanning 44 countries.
The thin-film metrology applications focus on optical methods for precision measurement of thin-film and wafer temperature, stress, curvature, bow, deposition rate, reflectivity, spectral reflectance and transmission, and reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The industrial metrology solutions cover many industries, including glass, solar, automotive, and building materials. These solutions utilize optical methods to measure color, precise part dimensions, surface defect inspection, and more. k-Space is located in Dexter, Michigan, employs approximately 55 (and growing) associates and manufactures systems in-house.
SITUATION: k-Space has always been committed to providing world-class products and support for their customers. With a continuous improvement and growth mindset, as well as a focus on upskilling their employees for optimal operations, k-Space wanted to invest in training that would support their mission.
SOLUTION: In support of this effort, k-Space’s management team reached out to Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) to assist with developing a training plan to help retain, train, and equip their associates. As part of the plan about half of k-Space employees participated in one or more classes such as:
- Advanced Problem Solving: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB), which allows for improved day-to-day operations
- Lean Simulation, which showed how Lean methodology impacts an organization’s performance
- A3 Problem Solving, which taught employees how to define a problem in measurable terms, uncover potential root causes, and develop implementation plans
- Minitab, which focused on the execution of better data analytics
- Practical Approach to Project Management, which strengthened employees’ ability to effectively manage and complete projects
- Core Tools, which highlighted how to improve product quality and defect prevention
- Blueprint Reading & GD&T, which helped educate employees on how to minimize misinterpretation during production through standardized language
Following training, k-Space employees felt more confident performing their work, and better prepared for new assignments. This has also helped k-Space to manage the significant sales growth driven by both new and existing customers and products.
RESULTS:
- Sales Increase: 30%+
- New Associates: 18
- Investment: $73,000
TESTIMONIAL: “Employee training enhances the capabilities of the individual and efficiency of our business overall. Not only has it had a positive impact on seasoned employees but has provided new skills to staff who have just started their careers. We are proud of this investment, and appreciate the expertise offered by MMTC. We look forward to continuing our relationship on future projects.” — Doug Knoll, Quality Manager.
Reprinted with permission by Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
