Hub Pen Co., located in Braintree, Massachusetts, imports specialty writing instruments and imprints them with company logos and other customized inscriptions. In 2013, the company received a grant for training in lean and continuous improvement, which was delivered by the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership (GBMP). Hub Pen’s three-year strategic vision called for a 50-percent increase in sales, a 50-percent reduction in scrap, a 30-percent increase in productivity, and 100-percent employee participation in the initiative. The company has met and surpassed most of these goals.

As a result of the training, weekly huddles take place at both the departmental and managerial level. At each department’s meeting, progress toward goals is reviewed, and problems and potential improvements are discussed. At the managerial level, the group assesses quality, service and costs, delivery, sales, safety and HR metrics.

 …