MHIA Production Improvement Program Helps Empower Box Makers For Long-Term Success BY JON RHOADES Every box maker knows the pressure of keeping production moving in an environment where every second counts. Operators are being asked to do more with less, maintenance teams are stretched thin, and new hires often lack the hands-on experience needed to hit the ground running. The result? Increased downtime, inconsistent machine performance, and inefficiencies that quietly compound over time. Addressing these challenges requires more than quick fixes—it takes a long-term commitment to efficiency, reliability, and continuous improve- ment. That’s the goal of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America’s (MHIA) Production Improvement Program (PIP), a partnership-driven approach designed to minimize waste, strengthen operations, and help EVOL ma- chines reach–and maintain–their full potential. Across the industry, familiar challenges continue to disrupt operations. Labor shortages, high turnover rates, and a shrinking pool of skilled op-
• Only standard hand tools are required for all maintenance • Direct drive with no chains or sprockets • No tools for media change required » just zip it up » media change out in minutes • Filter is accessible for visual inspection during operation, Significant Advantages Over Conventional Dust Filtration Technology
» no shutdown required • Filter media advantages - high dust collection efficiency
erators are not just isolated problems. They contribute to a loss of critical operational knowledge. This gap in expertise can lead to the improper use of consumable materials, as well as failing to identify issues during routine inspection, driving up costs and introducing uncertainty into in- ventory management processes. In an already strained supply chain, this unpredictability compounds the difficulty of maintaining consistent production levels. Mechanical fail- ures and unplanned downtime further complicate matters, often discour- aging the next generation of workers from seeing manufacturing as the viable, rewarding career path it can be. For companies navigating these challenges, the key isn’t just fixing problems as they arise—it’s putting systems in place to prevent them from happening in the first place. The PIP extends the traditional OEM relationship beyond machine sales and installation, fostering a collaborative partnership aimed at ad- dressing both immediate issues and the underlying factors that contrib- ute to inefficiency and downtime. The PIP is structured around continuous improvement principles, drawing on lean methodologies to help identify and eliminate waste in real time. Regular bi-weekly visits from MHIA specialists allow for a thor- ough evaluation of EVOL performance, maintenance practices, and team dynamics on the shop floor. By observing production processes first- hand, it becomes possible to uncover inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed—whether related to time management, material waste, or workforce utilization. In addition to technical evaluations, the program places a strong em- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
- low pressure loss due to constant deep cleaning of the filter media in minutes - long service life
• No pressure fluctuations within the system • No compressed air required to clean the filter media
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March 24, 2025
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