Smith Optics Manufacturing (Smith MFG) was recently named by MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) as Utah’s Manufacturer of the Year for Innovation and Technology Commercialization, according to a press release by the company. Presented by Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell, this award recognized Smith Manufacturing for its outstanding organization and manufacturing achievements on several different levels.
“MFG was and continues to be a major component vital to the success
and realization of our goals as global company with business
in over six separate product categories. This award truly belongs to
the employees of MFG and we are extremely proud to have them
as a part of our family,” said Smith president Ned Post.
and realization of our goals as global company with business
in over six separate product categories. This award truly belongs to
the employees of MFG and we are extremely proud to have them
as a part of our family,” said Smith president Ned Post.
The annual recognition encourages manufacturers to apply innovative, competitive, and cost effective principles to the management of their business. Smith MFG, formerly DFG, has only been under the ownership and operation of Smith Optics since its purchase Dec. 31, 2006, making this award that much more significant. Moving from a decaying
building to a new facility required extensive renovations, but also offered a chance to upgrade work conditions, process flow, and research and development capabilities.
The company said overhauling its manufacturing plant was a major undertaking which required rethinking many old practices. The result was a host of new approaches to the manufacture and distribution of Smith product, which increased product flow rates, margins, worker safety, product quality, and order accuracy. Additionally , significant investments in phone and computer systems, network servers, personal computer upgrades within the factory, lift trucks, and other equipment that was
either upgraded, replaced, or supplemented has pushed MFG to the forefront of modern technology.
either upgraded, replaced, or supplemented has pushed MFG to the forefront of modern technology.
Smith also developed a series of new employee orientation clinics, training procedures, policies, and importantly introduced
a series of improvements to employee benefits for all 250 employees
a series of improvements to employee benefits for all 250 employees
