Location
Learn how Crown approaches value stream mapping in a low volume/high mix manufacturing environment utilizing mixed model value stream mapping techniques. This overview will include value stream preparation: variant analysis, video time studies, event techniques, and a summary of digital tools utilized to create the maps. The presenters will also describe how potential future state scenarios are evaluated and how the future state implementation plan is developed.
Crown Equipment Corp is one of the world’s largest material handling companies with a reputation for award-winning product design, advanced engineering and technology, and superior after-sale service. Crown’s business philosophy utilizes vertically integrated processes to design, manufacture and distribute forward-thinking, innovative solutions that improve customers’ productivity and operating efficiency. Crown produces a broad range of forklifts, batteries and chargers, as well as automation solutions and fleet management technologies, and warehouse solutions products and design services. To learn more about Crown’s ideas for helping customers advance the productivity of their operations, visit www.crown.com.
Melissa Kaufman is the Operational Excellence Director for Crown Equipment Corporation and is responsible for the global deployment of lean throughout Crown manufacturing and business systems. She has more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing operations and has held various positions in engineering, lean, six sigma, value stream & business unit management. Melissa is currently the chair of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence - Regional Presidents Council and serves as a board member for the OSU Center for Operational Excellence. She graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. 
Gretchen Mueller is Advanced Manaufacturing Engineer at Crown Equipment Corporation. She has over a decade of manufacturing experience in process improvement and lean six sigma roles. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, and she has held positions at 3M, PPG, and Whirlpool prior to joining Crown. Her primary responsibilities at Crown include analyzing current state value streams at both process and global levels, working with cross-functional teams to develop future state implementation plans, and educating teams on value stream mapping tools and best practices
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Agenda
11 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
11:05 a.m. Presentation
11:45 a.m. Questions
12 p.m. Closing
- Digital assist for effective lean transformation roadmaps
- Learning a systematic approach to mix model variant analysis and value stream mapping
- Future state scenario analysis
- Resource balance charts
- Executives
- Operation leaders
- Managers
- Front line supervisors
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