Medical Products Move to Avilla (IN) Facility

Group Dekko Completes Medical Business Plant Consolidation

As part of Group Dekko’s annual Goal Deployment Process (GDP – a strategy execution tool), a plant consolidation affecting five Indiana facilities was put into action in November 2010. Group Dekko’s planned move was handled in less than one week and now reaps process improvements and opportunities for growth.

“By moving our medical products manufacturing operations from Kendallville to Avilla (Indiana) we have the opportunity to decrease square footage, improve process flow and give employees additional employment growth opportunities,” said David Day, executive vice president, operations. “The decision to move operations to Avilla also gives us the best opportunity for shared operations, in-house tooling, support, and lean process improvements."

Prior to the plant consolidation, every customer affected by the move was notified in order to meet necessary medical product delivery requirements. In addition, feedback and recommendations from customers were interjected in the set up and plans for the move. 

“We conducted facility improvements that affect the surroundings for employees, such as sealing the floor and painting the ceiling,” said Raj Wadhwa, Avilla plant manager. “Other basic facility improvements were made to prepare for the move based on customer recommendations which demonstrates our dedication to customer opinions and our commitment to long term relationships.”

“We strive for operational excellence and that starts with dedicated employees who have a plan and are prepared. Their performance reflects our success,” said Day.

With the consolidation, the Avilla facility now includes horizontal injection molding capabilities, vertical over-molding capabilities, with complete assembly through final finished goods and testing opportunities. In addition to serving the medical market, Avilla’s core competencies also serve the office furniture, lighting, automotive and industrial, appliance, and consumer markets.

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