A Lean Analysis to Automate the Draw Operations at a Tube Manufacturing Company

The objective of this research is to conduct a lean analysis of the Draw Cell operations at a manufacturer that fabricates stainless steel tubes and to implement Lean concepts for automation. Videotaping operations, interviewing operators, and studying the engineered layout of the operation were carried out to understand the existing operations. Industrial engineering knowledge of Lean, 8 wastes, Kaizen, Single Minute Exchange of Die, and Value Stream Map were applied to improve the setup of workstations and material handling procedures. These principles helped make the current draw cell to operate more effectively and economically without major renovations.