Safety and Efficiency: Mutually Exclusive?

Posted on November 27, 2012 by induron

By Mike Nelms, Induron Production Manager

Can you be safe AND efficient? Sure you can, if you practice safety and efficiency in the correct fashion.

Have you ever heard someone in your facility say, “If you put a guard on that, it will slow me down.”? We’re all looking to be more efficient in our daily tasks, but safety is paramount. The key in a situation like this is to ensure you’re installing the RIGHT type of guard for the process being performed, the ergonomics and the machine type itself. If you do this, safety and efficiency can live in harmony.

There are gains to be made in both safety and efficiency everywhere we look. Take a look around your facility and consider the following:

Are raw materials stored as near as possible to the manufacturing area where they are used?
Are your forklifts and other material handling equipment sized correctly for the job?
Have you reduced double- or even triple-handling of raw materials and finished goods throughout your facility?
Are all required work station items available there?
Are your housekeeping habits as good as they should be?
Are expendable tools and supplies controlled properly and readily available?
Do you have a preventive maintenance program? Is it as effective as you want it to be?
Do you keep critical spare parts readily available to keep machinery on-line?
Are your warehouse operations orderly to reduce handling, packaging and shipping costs?
Have you reduced manual lifting and carrying as much as reasonably possible?
Do you have adequate lighting throughout your facility to perform the required tasks?
Are your employees adequately trained to safely and efficiently perform the duties required?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, it may be time to reevaluate your practices. Take some time today to really look at your facility and operations, and make changes to maximize your safety AND efficiency.

What Cycle Count Says About Teamwork

Posted on October 9, 2012 by induron

By John Anspach, VP of Operations

Last week, I spoke about the importance of cycle count in terms of efficiency. Our numbers are consistently low, and that’s something we are especially proud of around here.

The final numbers are in, and I can say that annually, our cycle count has been at .25 or less since 2007. That’s 5 years running. So how did we get and keep our numbers so low?

I can sum it up in one word: communication.

Our paint is made great by three teams: Paint Makers in our production department, the technical folks in the lab and quality control. Internally, these departments have a genuine respect for each other’s work. They have trusted relationships that allow for feedback. Continue reading →

Look for Innovation, and the World Will Beat a Path to Your Door

Posted on August 28, 2012 by induron

By Linc A. York, Induron Sales Rep, Troy, MO

How do you get the world to beat a path to your door? You know the answer – build a better mousetrap.

When I read this article from Coatings Tech magazine online, I thought immediately of this phrase. The “open innovation” approach discussed in this article is a new spin on what I’ve called “building a better mousetrap” in the coatings industry. The authors of the piece emphasize how much competitive advantage is gained when we look outside our own company for the best ideas for new and innovative products and applications.

Before we knew what to call this concept, we were doing it here at Induron. We draw on many sources of information – raw material suppliers, the needs and desires of our customers, new technology we’re seeing in the marketplace, our R&D staff, and of course our sales force – for new product ideas. Then we’re nimble enough to develop, test and launch a product in six to 12 months. Continue reading →

Reliable Protection Through Innovative – and Greener! – Coatings

Posted on July 17, 2012 by induron

By John Anspach, Induron Technical Director

As local and national environmental regulations changed, particularly in the 1990s, Induron and companies like ours needed to document compliance with the new rules. Regulatory agencies were (and are) taking a much firmer stance on emissions, and it was clear changes were going to have to be made.

The rewards for lowering emissions are substantial – demonstrating lowered emissions means eligibility for a Synthetic Minor permit, which shows the community in general and the industry in particular that your company is committed to environmentally-responsible manufacturing; thus making you much more attractive to customers looking for like-minded suppliers.

But it can’t be a “one and done” process. You’ll need to look at your emissions levels both now and in the future – since you’ll hopefully be producing at even greater levels in the future as your business expands. Continue reading →

My Knowledge, Your Knowledge

Posted on April 10, 2012 by induron

By Ben Rowland, Induron Sales Rep, Birmingham, AL

As an Induron sales rep, I spend a lot of time honing my knowledge of the industry. Whether I’m attending a continuing education course, getting re-certified in a particular aspect of the industry or working with our Induron chemists to ensure I’m up to date on the latest and greatest products we offer, staying informed on every aspect of the world of coatings is vital to our business… and YOUR success.

I’m not just selling you a product. When you work with Induron, I want to make sure you’re getting the best, most accurate information available to accompany that product. That’s why I stay up to date on new products, new methods of coating, new applications, new industry standards and more. That knowledge helps me better meet my customers’ needs.

When I start a project, I assess the needs of the customer and the specific project. I have to make sure that I’m giving everyone the best information available, and that I’m doing so in a way that has everyone on the same page before a project begins.

When a project gets underway, I make multiple job site visits, answer questions from the owner or engineer, inspect the project, facilitate product orders with the contractor – anything that needs to be done to ensure the project goes smoothly.

Then, during the final inspection, I’m able to certify the finished project, thanks to staying up to date on my certifications through continuing education courses. Continue reading →

65 Years: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Posted on April 3, 2012 by induron

By Davies Hood, Induron Executive VP, Birmingham, AL

Induron celebrates our 65^th anniversary this year. I am beyond proud of this incredible professional AND personal landmark.

Reaching the 65-year mark makes me proud personally because of the success of my predecessors. That’s obviously my dad and granddad, but this anniversary is even more a testament to the management team and staff that’s worked here over the years. From the production crew and sales team, to the chemists, warehouse guys and store workers over the years, there’s a lot to be proud of.

In 1947, when our country was much smaller in population, there were many more paint manufacturers. Several existed in Alabama, and there were several in every major city in the country. Like many things, there’s been consolidation over the years. Even in my 15 years with Induron, I’ve seen significantly fewer small- to medium-size paint manufacturers nationwide.

Induron has stood the test of time because we’ve been flexible enough to adapt our business model to reflect current and changing tastes, but we’ve also consistently run our business with integrity. We treat our customers, employees and suppliers with integrity by doing what we say we’re going to do. We treat everyone with respect, because that’s what we believe in. Continue reading →

Induron: Keeping You From Looking like a Dummy

Posted on January 17, 2012 by induron

By David Hood, Induron CEO

By David Hood, Induron CEO

Nobody likes to look like an dummy. Especially you.

Now, Induron can’t keep you from looking like an dummy if you install a ceiling fan and forget to cut off the electricity at the breaker box. Or if you try your wife’s yoga class. Or if you dress up like the back end of a horse for Halloween.

But we CAN help prevent it if you work with us on a project. Let me explain.

When we say that we’re with you before, during and after a project, we don’t just mean that we’re standing there, hovering over you, watching you work (because that would be strange). We mean that our sales reps want to ensure that the owner of the project is pleased. Continue reading →

We ‘Spec It’s Time to Save Some Money

Posted on January 10, 2012 by induron

By Linc York, Induron Sales Representative

You’ve got a project. You’re creating a specification. Induron wants to be part of that spec, and we’ll almost always save you or your client money and make your project easier.

It’s that simple.

At Induron, we do more than just manufacture protective coatings. We are dead serious about building relationships (our boss Davies wrote about this in a previous blog post) that can turn into real, tangible savings for you and your client. So, how can a spec save you money or even make your project easier? Continue reading →