Quality Filters
Robertsdale, AL
Company Info:
Quality Filters, a leading air filter manufacturer, is a distributor of home air filter and commercial industrial air conditioner filters. Quality Filters (QFI) has a facility in Robertsdale, AL.
Situation:
Quality Filters-Robertsdale sought assistance in implementing sustainability practices to help improve their facility’s bottom line. Knowledge in Lean concepts, energy saving best practices, and waste reduction was needed. They chose to engage in an Alabama E3 (Economy, Energy Environment) assessment, workforce development training, and implementation assistance.
ATN Assistance:
Quality Filters -Robertsdale facility was assessed by the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) of the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH). The assessment was part of the Alabama E3 initiative which helps to create manufacturing leadership through sustainability.
UAH-ATN used certain technological tools to perform the energy saving assessment such as an Ultrasonic Leak Detector, a Thermal Imaging Camera, and a Light Meter. Lean assessments were also performed to determine opportunities of improvement at the strategic level.
Results:
The E3 assessment performed by UAH-ATN uncovered over $37,000 of potential energy saving opportunities. Through the Lean assessment it was discovered that there was significant opportunity for improvement at the strategic level. As a result of this finding, the facility had part of their workforce trained in workplace organization. Plans were developed to implement Lean concepts throughout the facility. Quality Filters – Robertsdale facility became the first UAH-ATN client to adopt the Innovation Engineering Management System.
Results obtained from the assessments included:
- The company has ISO 9001 certification that will drive continual improvement in all areas of QFI and open new markets that require the certification
- The company has an Innovation Engineering Management System in place to equip them with the skills and tools to relentlessly innovate to improve operations and grow the company
- QFI has a plan to firmly establish a foundation for future Lean improvements
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