Hazardous Waste > Lean and Environment > Case Studies > Columbia Paint

Columbia Paint Goes Lean and Gets Green

The players:

• Washington State Department of Ecology environmental technical assistance experts.
• Washington Manufacturing Services lean experts.
• Over 20 employees and managers from Columbia Paint.

The focus:

• Standardizing product flow and developing a ‘pull’ system for scheduling batches.
• Improving quality-control process, and increasing efficiency in materials handling.

The project scope:

• Lean and environment training.
• Value stream mapping.
• Three kaizen (improvement) events to implement lean and environmental changes.

The results:

• Reductions in product lead time for custom batches, and eliminated white-wash water waste.
• Improved product quality and consistency and customer responsiveness; improved safety and ergonomics. 
• Positive culture change, with a very engaged workforce.

Through these lean and environment improvements implemented from October 2006 to March 2007, Columbia Paint can expect to see cost savings of as much as $139,000 per year. 

For more information:

John Blunt, Environmental Engineer, jlbu461@ecy.wa.gov, 509-329-3525
Patric Sazama, Project Manager, WMS psazama@wamfg.org, 509-358-7897