Intek Plastics Implements Lean Manufacturing Practices and New Management Team

Intek Plastics Inc. of Hastings, Minn., has experienced some significant changes, including an implemented lean manufacturing process, a re-aligned management team and a new member on their board of directors.

The execution of lean manufacturing processes began in the past year, and the company has achieved positive results including safety and quality improvements, teams of production workers with leaders, streamlining the quotation process and initiating lean accounting techniques, according to company literature. There has also been a change in the organization of its plants to increase the efficiency of production.

The management team has been transformed to reflect Intek's lean manufacturing practices. The changes include promoting Rob Tracey to chief operating officer. He has almost 20 years experience in the window and door industry, including six projects to implement lean transformations. The company has moved Allen Colliander from vice president of sales and marketing to vice president of technology and development, and has promoted Mike Kenning to vice president of sales. Also, Mike Kafezynski has been promoted to director of manufacturing and recent newcomer Steve Glienke's duties have been expanded to include director of business planning, along with the role of controller.

The board of directors also experienced a change when Neil Drozeski, most recently the president of Bunzl Extrusion's operating companies, came aboard. The addition was made to strengthen the company's corporate governance and industry knowledge, according to Intek.