Caljan Rite-Hite increases quality with new quality assurance program

The Quality Assurance Program empowers all Caljan employees to take personal responsibility in the quality of the manufacturing process. Achieving and maintaining high quality and consistency in their manufactured products is the highest priority. “Quality First” has become the new motto of Caljan and is posted throughout their facility. Developed in-house, the QAP is administered throughout the organization. Each employee is thoroughly trained in the QAP process. Whether the employee is in sales, in production, in engineering or top management, every employee is required to train in QAP. Each Caljan employee is empowered and encouraged to challenge the system through the use of a QAR – Quality Assist Request, with any question of quality in production. It’s the Caljan corporate culture to fix it once, fix it right, and solve the root cause of the QAR.

“Our employees understand that everyone is responsible for quality,” says Mark Rehder, Caljan Rite-Hite VP and General Manager. “Our QAP system is set up to quickly address the Quality Assist Request, provide an immediate solution and to get the line moving again. Each department is committed to supporting the QAP, improving the documentation process, identifying areas for improvement and ultimately ensuring that we are delivering the most reliable, efficient and consistent material handling conveyors.”

This improved quality process has created some interesting reactions from Caljan customers. “From the customer’s perspective, we are producing the best machines they’ve seen us produce, with improved design and a noticeable decline in service calls.” Rehder continues, “We’ve always been focused on our service response. With the new QAP program in place, we’re beginning to see a decline in service calls.”

There is no doubt that every telescopic conveyor operates in a harsh environment. With constant use and exposure to extreme heat and cold, conveyors see the bulk of the stress on the sortation system. With the improved Quality Assurance Program, equipment life is extended and breakdowns are reduced, thus reducing down-time. The impact of the improved quality process is significant for Caljan customers.