As a prequel to my trip to Sweden, the class made a trip out to Oconomowac, Wisconsin. This was a guided tour of Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. by Bill Belson. Bill is the Director of Engineering at Bruno, and was able to navigate us through our quest through the various plants. This was a very rewarding experience because we were able to see all of the various products offered being created before our very eyes. This company strives for perfection in their product development process, and is able to bring the human error percentage rate down to a fraction of a percentage. The organization and communication between employees was impeccable, and it almost felt like everyone was on the same page for every given task at the same time. Being the majority market share holders for this given market segment is very impressive, and of course the company has limitless potential to expand even further.
The assembly and production of the products within Bruno’s plants was very impressive overall. The group was able to see first hand how the metal was welded to any given customers needs. Not to mention we were able to watch the smaller more complex pieces be laser cut for the desired molds. All tasks for each employee were already mapped to the exact specification of the customer and it was really impressive watching the rate at which each employee was working at. It was almost like everyone was in sync like a well oiled machine.
Bill was very forth coming with the process and creation of each individual product. The vertical rise lift caught my eye, simply because there are almost four thousand variations of the product. I found that to be the most unique aspect of Bruno’s production process. There is no one way on how to do something. Bill harped on the fact that every customer is unique in their demands. Bruno became the powerhouse of this market segment not only by finding an untapped market niche, but by understanding and listening to the needs of their customers. Listening and adapting are huge when it comes to being the best of the best.
I really wanted to know who has the hardest job from the tour we received. Bill of course said that would depend on who you were asking, but after much consideration felt that the welders had the most taxing job within the plants. The reasoning behind this is not for the possibility of a mistake, but the mere positioning of person to achieve that perfect weld. These welders go through a lengthy and selective hiring process. Throughout any given day, a welder will be standing up, on their knees, moving side to side, up and down, and even upside down! Not only are these guys master craftsmen of the weld, but they’re basically gymnast’s as well!
Over the course of my three hour factory production tour given by Bill, I was able to see it all. The proof is in the pudding for Bruno when they say perfection and accuracy is what makes them the best of the best. It was a very insightful experience and allowed me to open my eyes to an industry that I did not know a whole lot about. Bill was a very down to Earth guy, and I loved the way he went about showing each individual process for development. I highly recommend to my peers and blog viewers to open your eyes to this particular industry because like I said, this was a very rewarding experience!
Today’s Takeaway’s:
- Always stay curious in your job field
- A stair lift feels like a rollercoaster preparing to drop you off at the top
- Perfection is what a company needs to strive for in order to achieve a the most success
- If you truly love what you do, then you’ll never work a day in your life
- I’m ready to see Sweden
Matt's Sweden Blog 