Wire Belt Company Uses VISUAL Software from Synergy Resources for Production Transformation

Synergy Resources is proud to announce that Wire Belt Company of America has been named New Hampshire’s 2009 #1 Best Small Company to work by Business NH Magazine and NH Businesses for Social Responsibility. The Londonderry, NH company, a long-time VISUAL Enterprise user, prides itself on never laying off New Hampshire workers.

The company used the economic downturn to redeploy workers idled by a drop off in orders to reconfigure its 33,000 sq. ft. production facility. The goal was to keep workers fully employed streamlining process workflows and creating flexible manufacturing cells to support Lean production. Infor VISUAL Enterprise ERP’s strong functional support of Lean and electronic Kanban is viewed as essential to transforming the production of hygienic, stainless steel conveyor belt systems used in food processing and other industries.

“At a time when the economy is testing the most solid company cultures, this year’s Best Companies to Work For competition demonstrates how making employees partners in a company’s success is not only good for morale, but also good for the bottom line,” runs the lead in the December issue cover story in Business NH Magazine. “Respect for employees, no layoff policies and creative strategies to keep everyone employed have earned Wire Belt Company of America in Londonderry the title of Best Small Company to Work For in NH…”

“A key company goal is to keep manufacturing in New Hampshire,” says Bruce Nixon, materials manager at the 4th-generation, family-owned company. “To do that you have to be extremely cost competitive. Scott Monk, our director of operations, saw Lean as the way to streamline operations, reduce costs, increase productivity, and be more competitive.”

VISUAL greatly simplifies material management. Electronic Kanban and strong support for managing critical item replenishment are also key. “The way VISUAL processes orders and handles scheduling also makes a difficult task a whole lot easier,” Nixon states.

Though representing a variety of industries, Wire Belt Company and the others on the select top 10 list all share one thing in common. “While not immune to recessions, the Best Companies to Work For have a strategic advantage – motivated, loyal employees.” Making them full partners and giving them the right tools to perform their jobs are critical elements in sustaining that advantage.