Home | About Maine MEP | Upcoming Events | Success Stories | Partners & Resources | News | Board of Directors Contact Us | Enterprise Management | Performance Based Training | Supply Chain Management | Innovation Services Sappi Fine Paper Finds Success by Going Lean About a year ago, John Martis, managing director of the Sappi Fine Paper North America, a pre-eminent manufacturer of coated fine paper in Westbrook, Maine, decided he wanted to improve his mill’s service and competitiveness. "I realized we needed to do something to reduce our lead time, get our processed waste under control and reduce our high level of inventory in order to successfully compete," Martis said. Sappi Fine Paper wanted to improve its ability to meet on-time delivery requirements by utilizing Time Wise Principle of Lean. "I knew Sappi could improve service by using Lean Manufacturing without having to invest any capital," Martis said. "So far, we are making good progress. Our changeover times have improved, as has our workplace organization and housekeeping." For Martis, the proof was in the numbers. "As a result of the assistance provided by Maine MEP, the mill has experienced significant improvements in set up reduction times for one coater and for the embossers," he said. Sappi has every intention of continuing to improve the process, Martis pointed out, since significant reductions will lead to additional hours of production each year or allow for additional change-overs to provide a more flexible product mix to its customers. "Additionally, from the perspective of our employees’ safety, these projects have also had a positive impact," Martis said. "For example, the new hoses we purchased for the improvement on the coater are significantly lighter than the old ones. This prevented a potential ergonomic issue. "Since our operational philosophy is all accidents are preventable, it’s an advantage to find and correct a situation before someone develops an injury," he added.