Third-Generation Manufacturing Company Partners with Manufacturer’s Edge to Streamline, Reduce Expenses, and Increase Revenue

Oliver is a third generation manufacturer in North America. The company was established in 1930 by Oliver W. Steele, son of one of the developers of the first modern gravity separator, circa 1897. The company was run for 40 years by Oliver’s grandson Geoff O. Burney, and is currently guided by Oliver’s great grandson, Brian Burney.

All along, Oliver has combined durability and efficiency with technological advancements like the 1951 multiple-fan design that tripled capacity and today’s Voyager and Maxi-Cap Platinum, the first fully automated, fully integrated gravity separators. For over 80 years, Oliver has led the way with innovation in products for the seed, nut, coffee, recycling, lumber, and mining industries.

Oliver Manufacturing engaged Manufacturer’s Edge in some key lean projects to support what was intended to be a growth year. Manufacturer’s Edge consulted, trained, and coached Oliver staff on lean principles. As a result, Oliver successfully implemented expansion of 5S programs, implementation of pull systems utilizing Kanbans, and developing a plan for a layout of assembly processes. In addition, Oliver staff expanded lean efforts well beyond the manufacturing floor to include sales, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes.

Because of the partnership with Manufacturer’s Edge, Oliver Manufacturing was able to streamline processes that accelerated both informational and product flows through the organization. Consequently, Oliver was able to respond more quickly to the changing marketplace and evolving needs of the customers. Oliver Manufacturing reduced lead times and accelerated throughput enabling them to capture an additional $680,000 in revenues this fiscal year while reducing costs by nearly $215,000. They were able to expand the knowledge of the staff permitting the Oliver team to continuously evaluate and improve processes. They were able to apply lean philosophies in administrative areas resulting in a 20 percent reduction in office supplies and a $45,000 reduction in expenses related to processing accounts receivable and accounts payable. Without a knowledgeable and committed team of Oliver employees working alongside Manufacturer’s Edge partners, these accomplishments would not have been possible.

The MEP is a valuable resource for manufacturers. Manufacturers need a long term commitment that MEPs will be available to support our evolving needs. We need a commitment from our federal government to ensure the MEPs will have an ongoing commitment of funding that will permit longer term projects and evolution of services based on our changing business needs.Joe Pentlicki, Vice President/COO