Customer Story

Cicoil's Manufacturing Overhaul Boosts Productivity and Quality with IAC Workbenches

Cicoil Corporation, based in the Santa Clarita Valley near Los Angeles, specializes in high-performance flat cables for critical industries such as aerospace, military, motion control, and robotics. Despite decades of success, Cicoil's manufacturing floor had become outdated, cluttered, and inefficient. When Howard Lind took over as President, he recognized the need for a comprehensive renovation to modernize the space, improve productivity, and inspire a culture of quality.

The Challenge

The existing manufacturing space at Cicoil was inefficient, cramped, and uninspiring. It lacked proper organization and workflow, which hampered productivity and employee morale. Lighting was inadequate, clutter was pervasive, and the layout did not support precision work. Howard Lind identified the need for a two-fold renovation strategy:

  1. Optimize the layout for efficiency using cellular manufacturing techniques.
  2. Upgrade the technical furnishings to convey a sense of quality, care, and capability to both employees and visiting customers.

Lind’s goal was to create a space that not only improved productivity but also inspired employees to take pride in their work and embrace a mindset of excellence.

 

Solution

Cicoil_IAC_Cell_7

To address these challenges, Lind personally led the search for new workbenches and furnishings, ultimately selecting IAC Workmaster™ E-Series workbenches. He chose IAC products due to their ergonomic design, durability, and modularity, which aligned with Cicoil’s manufacturing goals.

 

 

Key components of the renovation included:

  • Cellular manufacturing techniques: The new layout facilitated better identification of issues in the assembly process, improving quality and reducing waste.
  • 5S Methodology: The renovation implemented 5S principles, ensuring that each workstation was equipped only with the necessary tools, eliminating clutter and optimizing efficiency.
  • IAC Workmaster E-Series workbenches: These workbenches were equipped with EZE Reach upright posts, task lighting, and custom pegboards to enhance organization and ergonomics. Stainless steel surfaces were installed for potting cells, ensuring durability in heavy-duty areas.

 

 

Implementation

Cicoil deployed nearly 100 IAC Workmaster™ workbenches, outfitted with various accessories like corner tables, EZE Reach Uprights, and productivity-enhancing tools. The modular design of the IAC benches allowed for the creation of U-shaped assembly cells, which optimized the workspace and reduced unnecessary movement.

The use of IAC TE-1 Electrical Channels further improved organization by eliminating the clutter of power strips and loose cords, providing a clean and efficient workspace.

 

 

Results

The renovation delivered significant improvements across multiple dimensions:

  • Increased Productivity: Cicoil doubled its production output while reducing its manufacturing footprint by one-third. The new layout allowed the company to manufacture more products in less space, creating room for future expansion.
  • Enhanced Quality: The improved assembly cells and 5S implementation led to better product consistency, and Cicoil’s focus on quality was recognized when the company received Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems’ prestigious 5-Star Supplier Excellence Award.
  • Boosted Employee Morale: The new, organized workspace instilled confidence and pride in Cicoil employees, fostering a sense of ownership in their work. Ergonomic workstations and better lighting improved the working environment, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

Howard Lind, President of Cicoil, expressed his satisfaction with the renovation:

The IAC workbenches are a key part of our manufacturing transformation. The ergonomic design and modular features have significantly improved our workflow. We’re now able to produce more in less space, and the quality of our products has never been better. Our employees are happier, and we’re proud to showcase our facility to visiting customers.

 

Conclusion

Cicoil’s investment in a manufacturing floor renovation, featuring IAC Workmaster™ workbenches, resulted in substantial gains in productivity, quality, and employee morale. The company is now better equipped to meet the demands of its high-stakes industries while maintaining a workspace that inspires excellence.

The renovation has positioned Cicoil for continued growth, with the flexibility and capacity to expand production in the future.

 

Learn more about how IAC Workmaster™ solutions can transform your workspace.