|
 |
 |
|
ITBD News
|
|
|
Articles |
Rell visits Peter Paul to check up on its progress
NEW BRITAIN — Gov. M. Jodi Rell got a crash course in high-speed
manufacturing, plus an award from Peter Paul Electronics for initiatives that
have enabled the family-owned company to compete in the global economy.
At Peter Paul Electronics “change” is a positive word. On Wednesday, the
60-year-old business celebrated changes it has made with a visit from Rell,
Mayor Timothy Stewart and other dignitaries. The governor received an award for
her initiatives which have kept the company ahead of its overseas competitors.
Peter Paul recently benefited from a state-funded Aerospace & Defense Initiative
Program. The program was launched in 2005 with the goal of strengthening the
state’s aerospace and defense sectors.
“The better positioned these suppliers are to snatch up contracts the more
likely they are to expand and hire more people,” Rell said.
Operations manager Michael Mangiafico II said Peter Paul has managed to increase
its competitiveness through federal funds that have made possible advanced
processes such as lean manufacturing and kaizen.
“Lean” is a business system that relies on less human effort, less space, less
capital and less time. “Kaizen,” which means “improvement” in Japanese, is a
system that eliminates waste and activities that add cost without adding value
Peter Paul now competes successfully by maintaining smaller inventory and
filling customer orders while eliminating wasted effort.
Human resources manager Judi Spreda told The Herald that in the last four years
the company has added a second shift and increased employment by 20 percent.
Through training from Capital Workforce Partners, Institute of Technology and
Business Development, the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Aerospace and
Defense Initiative, the company can now meet demands for custom orders.
Chief engineer Mark Mangiafico acknowledged that traditional workforce methods
had previously made it difficult to compete. However, implementation of lean
technology cut lead time while decreasing inventory levels.
Signs on the plant floor underscore the emphasis on change. One sign reads,
“You’re responsible for your own actions,” another: “Be part of the solution,
not part of the problem.”
Rell joked that every time she comes to New Britain, Stewart tells her, “Nice to
meet you, governor,” and has his hand out.
“Walking with him on the plant tour he’s like a proud papa.
Michael Mangiafico said Peter Paul actually ships products to China’s mainland.
“We’re selling to them, not buying from them,” he said.
And the message to other small business exporters?
“You need to embrace lean fully, not dab at it,” Mangiafico said. “It needs to
be the framework that improves your entire business, and it has to start from
the top.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are You In Need of Space? |
|
If you are looking for space for your
business or business startup, we have space available ranging from 200 - 3000
sq. ft. and are conveniently located to Routes 9, 72, and I-84. We
have attached parking and a municipal garage directly behind us.
Please call us for more information.
We are also listed
on the CT Economic Resource Center (CERC)
SiteFinder. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
