SmithCraft Signs Launches Continuous Improvement with Arizona MEP
SmithCraft Signs , a leading custom architectural signage company based in Phoenix, Arizona, designs, fabricates, and installs signage for medical, retail, government, and hospitality customers. Nicole Bergstrom took over as president a few years ago. While she was familiar with the business through a family connection, she did not come from a manufacturing background. When she joined the organization, she observed that mid-level management was frequently preoccupied with solving day-to-day production and customer issues.
In contrast, production staff was underutilized and did not feel empowered to make decisions. Driven by her interest in Lean principles and a desire to improve the working environment, Bergstrom enlisted Arizona MEP to train the entire staff on Lean basics. Since that initial training, Bergstrom has sent many team members to Arizona MEP Green Belt and Leadership Development classes. These efforts have resulted in significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Transforming Operations
Arizona MEP began working with SmithCraft after the chief operating officer attended an Arizona MEP Financial Literacy class focused on using KPIs to measure, improve, and gauge company performance. During the class, the COO learned about Arizona MEP’s Overview of Lean workshop, which helped answer one of Bergstrom’s central concerns.
“I knew enough about Lean to be excited about it and the value it brings, but I'd never done a Lean rollout before,” said Bergstrom. “The big question was, ‘How do we successfully implement this concept company-wide?’ Partnering with Arizona MEP, where Lean concepts have been successfully implemented for other manufacturers, seemed like the ideal solution.”
The workshop teaches the basics of Lean, providing a baseline understanding of concepts and how they can be applied throughout the company. SmithCraft is still in the early stages of Lean implementation, but Bergstrom is already seeing improvement in the production team’s use of structured problem-solving rather than escalating issues to management.
Delivering Savings and Sustained Continuous Improvement
Following the company-wide Lean training, Bergstrom and four other leadership team members participated in the Lean Green Belt certification course. This five-day course teaches company leaders how to support improvement efforts and become advocates for change.
During the course, SmithCraft developed a routine vehicle maintenance program to ensure timely oil changes and critical equipment upkeep. The company estimates cost avoidance of more than $300,000 by extending vehicle lifespans and reducing the need for new equipment purchases.
Leadership Development: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Leadership development is another key focus for SmithCraft. To support this effort, seven employees participated in Arizona MEP’s Leadership Development Program, which teaches newly promoted supervisors the soft skills needed to succeed.
During this time, Bergstrom learned she would need to replace the plant manager, who retired earlier than expected. His replacement gained skills through the program that helped ease the transition. Bergstrom credits the program with helping retain two employees.
Continuous Improvement Processes Lead to Lasting Success
Arizona MEP’s work with SmithCraft has been instrumental in driving the company’s transformation. By embracing continuous improvement, investing in employee development, and focusing on operational efficiency, SmithCraft is positioned to fully leverage its workforce and sustain long-term growth.
Bergstrom concluded, “Arizona MEP has been a blessing for our company. In every interaction, I’ve been impressed with their professionalism, follow-through, and commitment to helping our business succeed. I can’t say enough good things about how Arizona MEP has improved our business.”