About
Mirion Technologies (IST) Corporation, based in Big Flats, New York, specializes in manufacturing radiation detection equipment, employing 52 individuals. As a key supplier for U.S. defense and security initiatives, Mirion has secured significant federal contracts for the Department of the Navy and other agencies. These contracts involve the provision of detectors used in the instrumentation of the nuclear power reactors.
The Challenge
In 2021, Mirion faced a significant challenge with their Detector product line, achieving only a 50% score on their on-time delivery (OTD) metric with major customers. They identified the primary source of these delays as stemming from the MI Cable subassembly production area. Mirion turned to AMT, part of the New York MEP and the MEP National Network™, for help.
AMT has been a great help to our business from the initial phases to support through the actual project and assistance in getting us the funding required to work on our issues. Keeping our challenging teams on task and following through to completion of the smaller phases of the overall project has been a tremendous help help to us reaching our goals. We have seen many improvements in process (both personnel and equipment).
MEP’s Role
AMT conducted a high-level process mapping event with a cross-functional team at Mirion. The team identified three major sources of delay: late deliveries from suppliers, elevated levels of rework, and a lack of cross-training in critical areas. To address these issues, additional cross-functional teams were formed. These teams focused on adjusting supplier lead times to accommodate post-COVID working conditions, identifying the root causes of major rework issues, and setting up training programs to increase the number of individuals capable of performing critical operations.
AMT also collaborated with Mirion to establish a morning meeting structure in critical production areas on the shop floor. This initiative aimed to sustain the improvements made by the cross-functional teams and to gather input from all employees on how to continually enhance their work areas.
Originally published on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website with the help of New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP)