Gulf Stream Coach Improves Process with Investment. Gulf Stream Coach, Nappanee Indiana- Keeping in line with the company’s Lean Manufacturing philosophy, Gulf Stream Coach has invested in state-of –the-art equipment that will improve efficiency and accuracy in the wheel alignment process. In just under two minutes, the Snap-on aligner provides highly accurate alignment measurement, complete with visual representation identifying current and optimal settings. This represents a 70% reduction in time versus conventional alignment methods. Monday morning Gulf Stream employees completed the weekend long conversion of the 20 year-old alignment bay to include the new equipment and received a course in the operation by Snap-On Trainers. John Edgerton Production Manager of Gulf Stream Coach Luxury Class A Division stated that he is excited about this investment and welcomes the new technology. “Just about every Gulf Stream motorhome that we’ve ever produced has gone through this bay.” Said Edgerton “With this new equipment we will slash our delivery times, increase employee safety, and eliminate opportunity for human errors simply by automating a typically painstaking manual process.” The decision to move forward with this investment was made by applying Six Sigma business investing strategies allowing Gulf Stream to become even more competitive in the market. “Any time you look at collective data and put a dollar figure to your return on investment, it makes it easier to make these kind of investments.” Says Gulf Stream Motorized Division CEO Brian Shea. “We know with confidence that in due time we will not only recoup the money we’ve invested, but we will be even more competitive in the marketplace in the years to come.” Gulf Stream Coach is a privately held, family owned, full-line manufacturer of fine recreational vehicles. Located in Elkhart County, Gulf Stream has been operating for 25 years and has tripled in size since implementing Lean Manufacturing techniques nearly 10 years ago. They are now the largest employer in Elkhart County, 14 th largest business in Indiana, and a top 10 manufacturers in the RV Industry. |
