Plant Improvements and production changes

[Joseph T.]

Loren

There was a program called MIP.( like an engineers suggestion box ) where ideas for plant improvement could be submitted. I have a number of these documents. For example..a suggeston was made around 1959 to ship Corvettes by rail. The idea was studied tested and went into action.

Another example was to spray cars with a protective coating to protect from dripping fluids and road grime in tranportation. I think this was around 1961...and referred to full size Chevy's. Other suggestions were for updated tools and equipment for improved assembly and quality.

If I can find my file I will post an example.

Joe

[Michael H.]

Re: Plant Improvements and production changes

Joe,

That program that you mention continued through the 60's and 70's. Some of the recommendations and suggestions were less critical and one that I know of was a suggestion to prop up one end of the great big 250 gallon container of brake fluid so nearly all of the fluid could be removed from it. When the container sat flat on the floor, not all of the fluid could be drained out as about two or three gallons were below the drain level. The simple fix was a short piece of 1x4 under one end. That suggestion paid an employee a $90. bonus. There were many others over the years.

Michael

[Art A.]

Re: Plant Improvements and production changes

We had the same suggestion program at the engineering center and had LOTS of wonderful suggestions submitted. In fact at one point in my career I was a suggestion investigator. One of the better suggestions I recall was from one of our very prolific hourly suggestion submitters. He worked in the plaster shop that mixed plaster for molds. One of his suggestions was that we should go to the Detroit Zoo and buy a elephant recital thermometer, which was about 1/2 inch in diameter and about 3 feet long, for determining the temperature of the core of the plaster mix. I don't recall how much he got, but it was a lot more than $ 90, when his suggestion was accepted.

You just can't make this kind of thing up!

Art

[Joseph T.]

Re: Plant Improvements and production changes

These are the kind of grassroot people programs that make great companies. Then they get too big and lose their way! There are plenty of examples.

The idea of the Zoo thermometer and the way to fully empty the drum..extended to all plants over time result in savings and improved profits.

The best ideas come from the people who make the product.