BIC Helps Southwick Clothing Sew Up Operational Savings!
Southwick Clothing LLC, a division of Brooks Brothers / Retail Brands, recently hired Boston Industrial Consulting to improve its efficiency and reduce its real estate burden within its Suit Manufacturing Operation. BIC has developed a new manufacturing layout and is in the process of implementing Southwick Clothing’s new State-of-the-Art Suit and Pant making facility at 20 Computer Drive in Haverhill, MA.
Southwick Clothing presently manufactures suits and pants in a 5-story operation on Canal Street in Lawrence, MA. Forced to move to a new location, Southwick Clothing, and its new parent Brooks Brothers, saw this as an opportunity to transform the operation into a more cost efficient and responsive Manufacturing center. Working closely with Southwick and Brooks Brothers personnel, Boston Industrial developed a more efficient spatial and operational layout, which will provide faster response time to retail outlets with increased automated production techniques. The elimination of WIP, improved work flow and a single-level manufacturing concept will allow Southwick to work in approximately half of its current square footage, and realize an increase in productivity by 25 – 35%.
Boston Industrial is currently helping Southwick and Brooks Brothers execute the plan, through on-site coordination of the many processes required to run new and existing equipment. The facility will use power, steam, air, vacuum, gas, and on-floor monitoring systems to run over $6M of new equipment and material handling systems. BIC will also assist in a smooth transition as Southwick moves from its current mill building to this State-of-the-Art facility in February 2009.
Boston Industrial Consulting continues to work with companies to help streamline their operation and increase profit margins! Our team’s work in this area has helped Boston Scientific, Edward’s Lifesciences and Caterpillar achieve similar savings.
We continue to look for new ways to help our clients in lower costs, increase productivity and maximize earning potential.
About BIC...
Founded in 1996, Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc. is celebrating its 12th Anniversary as a leader in Industrial Engineering and Operational Efficiency. Our clients include Caterpillar, Boston Scientific Corp., Tiffany & Company, Hallmark Cards, GE, and ThermoFisher.
For more information or to contact us:
Send an e-mail to: Bob Liptrot, President
Or, visit our website for more information.
BIC Drives VIP Parts, Tires and Service to Higher Level of Efficiency!
VIP Parts, Tires and Service is New England's largest privately held automotive parts and accessories chain. Based in Lewiston, Maine, VIP operates 57 stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. VIP was founded in 1958, and merged with Quirk Tire to become one of the leading automotive distributors in New England.
VIP turned to BIC looking for help to optimize their Distribution operation by examining utilization of space, equipment, process, and technology. The critical focus was to optimize the efficiency and capacity of their operation, while maintaining their high level of service to their customers.
BIC's analysis revealed that a more efficient picking process could result in a 30% increase in productivity. BIC recommended changes to product slotting and storage of on-hand tire inventory to allow VIP to increase throughput by up to 20% while improving capacity by over 15%. As a result, VIP has the potential to realize shorter turn-around times and a more accurate inventory level. An implementation of the proposed systems will occur over the summer of 2009.
VIP's unique seasonality and diverse product base is an interesting distribution challenge. The wealth of data and willingness of employees to explore new ideas significantly aided in the success of the project. The anticipated impact of the proposed changes is indicative of VIP's dedication and desire for continued success and growth!
BIC continues to work with companies such as VIP, Subaru of New England and Caterpillar who desire continuous improvement throughout their operations and growth, even during these challenging economic times.
Federal Supply Schedule Contract to Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc.
Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc., a leading provider of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Consulting services is pleased to announce its award of a 5-year contract to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). BIC will focus on providing Operational Engineering services for Supply Chain projects, as well as Distribution, Warehousing and Material Handling programs. The contract allows Government Agencies to take advantage of BICs full portfolio of effective and practical solutions, experience personnel and unbiased solutions.
In order to achieve the GSA status, BIC underwent a strict conformance and selection process. BIC joins a limited group of providers in this service category; only companies with the highest level of customer satisfaction coupled with an effective cost structure are granted approval.
The successes of our past and current clients are a testimony to our capabilities. We invite you to join a list of satisfied client that include Tobyhanna Army Depot, 8 Caterpillar dealerships, Tiffany & Company and Boston Scientific Corporation.
