Our team started by examining key processes. Part of the work flow involved using a large machine to lift drums of raw materials into a giant mixing vat (see photos below). This process added large amounts of time, energy and air bubbles. Once we had given the workers the authority to start questioning the old methods of operating, they quickly realized there was a better way.

Tapping into the worker’s expertise, we helped them devise a simpler solution. Rather than dump the material into a big vat which is then pumped into the bottling machine, they attached a small pump and tube directly to the drum so the material did not have to be lifted then churned.

This dramatically reduced the number of defects and changeover time. Now they could produce smaller batches of several different products quickly, without losing time spent cleaning and resetting the systems.

What started as concerns over defects caused by machines evolved into a discussion of how machines were loaded and used. Gourmet Garden was able to develop their own solutions.  This had a massive impact by eliminating the need to open new facilities in the United States.

This simple mechanical process change reduced the defect level from 3.7% down to 0.15%, saving over $97,000 a day!