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Industrial Machine and Engineering Company (IMEC) entered 2009 with enhancements to its powder coating line. Improvements began in October 2008 when IMEC invited Nick Liberto, president of Powder Coat Consultants (PCC), to perform a comprehensive audit of IMEC's powder coating system and facility. His initial findings were encouraging and challenging.

Curtis Hight, Quality Specialist at IMEC, worked closely with Liberto to quickly implement changes to raise the quality and consistency of the process. Newly created visual control charts and SPC (statistical process control) measures allowed employees to promptly identify and eliminate defects.

There are many variables at work when a single part enters the powder coating process. By documenting and controlling the variable elements of temperature, part cleaning, handling and paint cure, IMEC strengthened its ability to deliver consistent results.

IMEC also invested in new powder coating equipment and quality control tools. Using the enhanced data gathering forms and new procedures, Quality personnel continuously track and evaluate data for powder coating improvements and enhanced performance. Today, IMEC can boast of a highly trained and knowledgeable powder coating workforce.

Eric Merriman, Plant Manager, said, "Our ability to offer in-house powder coating allows us to work closely with our customers through the entire manufacturing process, from design to assembly. Each step we take to increase the efficiency of this line positively affects the customer."