A lot of companies profess to wanting to create a healthy and empowering work environment. But Cirtronics Corp of Milford, NH is that rarity -- a company that truly practices what it preaches.
A full-service contract electronic manufacturer, Cirtronics offers prototype through end-product builds of electronic and electromechanical assemblies, with an emphasis on custom circuit boards. When the time came to purchase additional workbenches, in keeping with the corporate philosophy, the employees were an integral part of the decision-making process.
Lista''s Align™ Workstation: The People''s Choice
When Cirtronics decided to move from batch manufacturing to lean manufacturing, the primary goals were quicker turnarounds, lower inventory exposure, higher quality, and more responsive delivery. Due to the growth and expansion that followed, it became imperative for Cirtronics to replace many of its old, awkwardly large, stationary tables with new individual workstations.
Cirtronics and team facilitator Irene Lemay had the employees test out a variety of workstations for 6-8 months before a selection was made. Cirtronics was already using and was satisfied with about 40 different workbenches from Lista Int''l throughout their facility. Nevertheless, the company felt it was imperative to give the employees a chance to experience all the options and be involved in the final decision-making process.
The team decided to purchase 35 Align Adjustable Height Workstations from Lista, to be used in every department including assembly, inspection, machining, and many others. Lista Int''l of Holliston, MA is a leader in modular storage and workspace systems.
"Aesthetics and flexibility were two key traits that swayed the decision toward the Align workstation," according to Lemay. "The Align bench, painted in Cirtronics light gray, fits our high quality image. We also came to realize that the Align is much more customizable than the competitive solutions, an extremely important attribute. We wanted a long-term solution, not a quick fix. Lista''s Align bench is a good choice because it can grow with us."
A Perfect Fit For Every Employee
Ergonomic comfort and ease-of-operation were also big factors with the Cirtronics team. The worksurface height of the Align bench can be quickly and easily aligned for different tasks or operator preference. The height of the base ranges from 25 ½ to 41 ½ in. (16 in. total range), allowing the ideal ergonomic height for each operator, and thus reducing stress, fatigue, and personal injury. Align features a three-position memory switch in its motorized frame, making height adjustment nearly automatic, and all uprights and components move in relation to the worksurface height. In addition, leveling glides adjust the worksurface up to 1 in.
"Our old stationary worktables were not ergonomic," relayed Cirtronics director of HR Training, Nancy Guidice. "The tables would be covered with bins, which dramatically cut into the available workspace. And to top it off, the overhead lighting was far from the worksurface and gave off a lot of glare.
"The Align benches are customized for each worker," Guidice continued, "both in terms of worksurface height and options. The lighting is completely adjustable and glare-free. The bins are stored on the Align shelves, which is much more efficient than having bins all over the table. We also now use an automatic resupply system, meaning if one bin empties, there is another bin right behind it that is full of the same part."
"Now THIS is my table"
Prep/assembler Kristin Betty, one of the workers who tried out the Align workstation, appreciates its customizable nature. "The shelves can be raised to fit the size of the bin. And shelf adjustments are extremely easy to make," she said.
"Before using Align, I had a table with blocks under it," Betty continued. "I love the Align because it adjusts to the perfect height for my needs. I can also adjust the light so it''s just right for me -- and I can use two or four bulbs. It''s so great having a bench that''s this flexible. I look at my Align and think, ''Now THIS is my table."
Align is offered with an extensive selection of Lista''s Nexus™ System above-the-worksurface accessories, including a wide range of shelves, parts bin holders, lights, electrical and air power attachments, tool rails, monitor trays, and document holders. A number of Cirtronics'' workbenches utilize the Nexus system''s variable angle shelves to feed components toward the operator.
A Solid Decision
The decision to switch to the Align workstation has proven to be a solid one, in more ways than one. The rugged and durable Align motorized workstation can support up to 1,000 lb of either static or dynamic load.
"We were particularly impressed with the Align workstation''s structural support, sturdiness and heavy gauge metal," said Cirtronics'' Lemay.
Of course, the satisfaction of each employee was the primary driver in this decision. The team wanted a bench that would last. But just as importantly, each employee had to be happy with their bench for a long time to come.
"With our lean manufacturing system," explained Nancy Guidice, "privacy, safety, and communication are all key concerns. The Align privacy panels, which also serve as bulletin boards, helped to address these needs. The competitive benches didn''t have these panels."
Now each employee has their own workspace, custom-configured for their needs. And Cirtronics has a workspace system that perfectly suits its lean manufacturing approach.
Lemay concluded, "As we grow, we will definitely order more Align benches to suit our needs."