How Arizona MEP Helped AGM Container Controls Increase Efficiency to Meet Sales Demand
AGM Container Controls is a Tucson-based manufacturer that designs and produces devices used to control and monitor pressure, moisture, and humidity in containers for defense and aerospace applications. The company operates three divisions: Precision Machining, Ascension, and Omeo.
Precision Machining is AGM’s in-house machine shop, providing custom fabrication and machining services for internal production and select external customers. The Ascension division manufactures ADA-compliant wheelchair lift solutions for commercial venues such as arenas, stadiums, theaters, and schools. Omeo is a two-wheel, self-balancing mobility device capable of traveling up to 30 miles on a single charge.
For more than five years, AGM has partnered with Arizona MEP to train employees in Lean manufacturing principles. This collaboration includes hosting a Kaizen event to improve the welding process used in Ascension wheelchair lifts in support of growing sales demand.
Building a Lean Foundation Through Training
AGM’s partnership with Arizona MEP began when employees attended the Basics of Lean workshop, which uses hands-on simulations to demonstrate how Lean principles can streamline manufacturing processes. More recently, four employees enrolled in Arizona MEP’s Lean Green Belt course, which equips leaders to identify improvement opportunities and sustain Lean initiatives.
This training helped instill a continuous improvement mindset across the organization and became a cornerstone of AGM’s ongoing collaboration with Arizona MEP.
Arizona MEP Helps AGM Streamline Welding and Assembly
With support from Arizona MEP Senior Client Advisor Kyle Randels, AGM conducted a Kaizen workshop to map the Ascension wheelchair lift manufacturing process. Prior internal analysis had identified welding as a key opportunity for improvement.
Kaizen is a Japanese methodology focused on continuous, incremental improvements that lead to long-term gains. “The Kaizen process helped us identify key bottlenecks, especially in our welding area,” said Estevan Gregory, Industrial Automation and Process Improvement Specialist at AGM. “By focusing on small, manageable changes, we saw immediate improvements. Our production capacity grew, and the quality of our lifts improved significantly.”
Measurable Results from Kaizen
Before the Kaizen workshop, welders completed subcomponents in batches before final assembly. Following the workshop, the team shifted to welding complete assemblies rather than batch processing. This change reduced manufacturing time from six days to four.
AGM also standardized the welding process with clear work instructions, introduced earlier quality checks to prevent defects, and implemented visual management boards to track progress and maintain focus on key improvements. These changes reduced delays, improved quality, and supported scalable growth.
Prior to the workshop, AGM produced seven wheelchair lifts per month. Within three months of implementing improvements, the company reached a target of 15 lifts per month and is now positioned to produce up to 20 lifts per month if needed. To support increased demand, AGM added a third welder and two post-weld positions.
Driving Lasting Change and Future Growth
AGM’s continuous improvement journey began with Arizona MEP’s Basics of Lean training and continues through sustained application of Lean tools and Green Belt projects. The improvements made within the Ascension division have reduced production time, improved quality, and enabled the team to take on projects with tighter timelines.
Looking ahead, AGM plans to continue investing in leadership development and Lean training by sending additional employees to future Green Belt courses. “With the Ascension lift project, we've seen firsthand how Lean tools and Kaizen can drive real improvements in efficiency,” said Gregory. “Before working with Arizona MEP, we didn’t have a strong local Lean training resource in Tucson. Now, we see opportunities to host training at our facility, supporting our initiatives while benefiting smaller manufacturers in the region.”