After benchmarking best training practices in the manufacturing and remanufacturing industry, SRC modelled our process after Komatsu’s Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation.
SRC of Lexington is ramping up production in preparation for a strong forecast for the remainder of 2021 and 2022. All departments within the plant are expecting big demand to continue if the infrastructure bill passes congress.
With Komatsu’s help, we have created a training dojo where new associates come to learn the finer points of remanufacturing. The Basic Assembly training course standardizes basic training for new hires and helps with retraining and reinforcing correct assembly techniques if we have quality problems.
The course has four modules. Module 1 teaches the correct use of hand tools, installing elbows, preventing o-ring damage, understanding cleanliness in a hydraulic circuit, and our work stoppage/suspension program. The second module teaches how Komatsu’s part number scheme works, the correct operation of impact wrenches, proper torque techniques, and conversions between common metric and standard units. Module 3 teaches correct tightening of tapered plugs, removal and installation of couplers, and how to handle hoses and piping. The fourth module teaches the correct methods for installing high pressure hoses, wiring harnesses, and plug connectors. When each module ends, trainees must achieve an 85% or better to receive their certificate of completion.
Darrell Nipper is the instructor of this training with 22 years of experience in this facility. Darrell’s experience includes 7 years of Team Leader experience, 5 years of Hydraulics experience, and 10 years in powertrain. The photo accompanying this article shows Darrell providing instruction to Joel in the dojo.
Congratulations to Darrell and the other people who made this happen! This will only strengthen the skill level of all of the technicians in the plant. By mid-June 2021, Darrell has already trained over 100 technicians and office personnel that volunteered for training. This program extends to other training needs as we continue to improve and grow. The team is already working on a new module with a variety of used parts to illustrate important concepts in parts judgment. Parts reusability is a key aspect of our reman program and understanding reuse criteria is critical to our success.