Florida MEP Helps Long's Design Manufacturing Facility

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., - August 12, 2002 - /PRNewswire/ - When Roger Brodt, owner of Long's Wheel & Rim, Inc., decided to build a new manufacturing facility two years ago, he contacted the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Florida MEP) for advice on designing the building to maximize efficiency and flow.

"I wanted to ensure the best utilization of space," Brodt said. "I am very pleased with the layout and the work done by the project managers at the Florida MEP. I believe the space in my new building will serve my needs for the next decade."

"We are always pleased to receive such positive testimonials," said Maria Alfano, director of operations for the Florida MEP. "Our project managers take great pride in assisting companies in solving problems, increasing production and efficiency and reducing waste.

"In this instance, MEP project managers worked with Roger and his staff to provide a plant layout of the interior manufacturing space and to review Long's operating procedures for identifying improvement opportunities," Alfano added.

Since 1968, Long's Wheel & Rim, Inc. has been manufacturing all types of off-the-road wheels for agriculture, construction, mining, logging and industrial equipment.

For industry standard or customer specifications, Long's computer-aided design (CAD) capability ensures accurate and efficient designs for almost any application. In fact, Long's was among the first companies to manufacture specialty and high-flotation wheels for log skidders and turf maintenance vehicles.

"We currently have 200 employees and have increased our business each year," Brodt said. "Two years ago we knew we required a larger facility. That's when we contacted the Florida MEP."

Project managers interviewed key personnel at Long's to determine operating procedures and also performed on-site reviews of space allocation in the old building. The managers then provided Brodt and his staff with a list of areas and processes that could provide substantial improvement results, as well as recommendations for the new facility features and layout.

Construction of the new building began 18 months ago and was completed in November of 2001. It has been estimated the new layout and additional manufacturing space will eventually allow Long's to increase business by at least $2 million.

Brodt said the product flow and space utilization suggestions made by Florida MEP's project managers have been implemented, but it is still too early to determine a real measurement of efficiency. However, he is definitely pleased with the facility, its layout and its potential.
"I highly recommend the Florida MEP," Brodt said, "and I am very happy with the work its staff did for my company."

The Florida MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness. For more information on the Florida MEP program call 321-939- 4000.

 

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