Precise officials excited about improvements

By Max Showalter
mshowalter@journalandcourier.com

Although it can be seen from Interstate 65, Precise Technology Inc. is one of those companies many people don't know exists.

Tucked away on Swisher Road near Battle Ground, the 42-year-old firm that does custom plastic injection moldings is focusing much of its manufacturing processes in the medical field.

With a commitment to workplace improvements, the plant has 36 full-time employees and a new owner.

Rexam, a London, England-based consumer packaging company, acquired the 15 U.S. plants that comprised Precise Technology last December.

"Now we're part of a much bigger company," said Kim Koning, director of process improvement at the facility that has been renamed Rexam-West Lafayette.

Koning and plant manager Art Kelsey spoke Friday at the monthly Industrial Luncheon meeting sponsored by Lafayette-West Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

With 21,000 employees and facilities in 22 countries, Rexam is the fifth-largest packaging company in the world. After the acquisition, it closed four of the 15 Precise Technology locations.

"What we've tried to improve at West Lafayette ... really tied in well with the Rexam way," said Koning, who noted the local plant has invested in a series of in-house improvements in production processes.

"Had we not implemented Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, there's probably a pretty good chance this plant would have been closed and the work sent to Pennsylvania plants."

Wayne Reisinger, director of existing industry support for the Lafayette-West Lafayette Economic Development Corp., was one of 40 people who attended the luncheon at the Lafayette Country Club.

He said Precise Technology was quick to recognize the benefits that can be obtained through the improvement programs.

"They picked up early on Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing and it's been a success for them," Reisinger said. "Lean Manufacturing is the continued elimination of waste, which has to be done. It involves everyone in the organization."