Significant gains in the productivity and profitability

Large recycler handles the scrap tire needs for companies across Northern California.

With the accelerating growth of the scrap tire market, this large west coast recycler was looking for ways to improve their competitiveness using creative approaches to make high quality renewable products. As a recycler of scrap tires, the company gained assistance to achieve these objectives through the Tire-Derived Product Business Assistance Program (TBAP) offered by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. TBAP provides targeted assistance to scrap tire processors and tire-derived product (TDP) businesses tailored to their unique needs.

The comprehensive approach included:

Assessed facility to develop a streamlined layout and product flow.
Conducted a strategic planning session to determine the company's vision and targeted metrics.
Developed revised customer order process to enable the company to select the best order for production based on constraints.
Provided Lean training, 5S training to organize the parts storage area, and conducted kaizen events.

The company made significant gains in the productivity, profitability and consumption of recyclable rubber.

Improved utilization, equipment and labor efficiency rates to 80% or higher, while supporting the addition of new clients and reducing the transportation "cost per tire".
Identified areas to increase market penetration and revenue.
Developed revised usage incentives for schedulers and drivers, providing motivation for higher utilization rates.
Provided comprehensive workforce development.

Significant gains in productivity and profitability.