HAMLET — Richmond Community College was instrumental in coordinating customized training for two companies looking to bolster their productivity by eliminating waste in the manufacturing process, college and company officials said.
Novipax and Big Rock Sports sent several employees in management positions through a 64-hour training program that teaches strategies for eliminating variation in business processes, thereby eliminating waste.
“This training saves Novipax an estimated $740,000 in waste, whether it be downtime in production, the transportation of the product or quality control,” said Lee Eller, director of customized training for RCC.
Novipax is the leading producer of absorbent pads and one of the top manufacturers of expanded polystyrene foam trays in the U.S. The company operates five manufacturing facilities, one of which is located in Rockingham.
Big Rock Sports is in a national wholesale sporting and recreational goods and supplies company with a facility located in Hamlet.
RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis said the college is proud to play a role in educating the workforce and helping to secure funding for specialized training for business and industry in Richmond and Scotland counties. The North Carolina Community College System, which has money budgeted for customized training for business and industry throughout the state, paid for the quality management program for Novipax and Big Rock Sports.
“I believe the most important role of the college system is educating the community’s workforce, and it’s something we take very seriously at RCC,” McInnis said. “Any time we can get state funds to assist our local industries, we are going to make it happen for the company and its employees.”
Wylie D. Bell is director of marketing and communications for Richmond Community College.