Who we are
Seasoned practitioners that have over 130 years of international operational experience in a wide array of organizations in the retail, service and manufacturing sectors, changing, enhancing and repositioning their competitive strategies through the use of a systematic model.
Our practitioners are well networked with leading experts and organizations of specific disciplines with lean enterprise knowledge.
Facilitators and mentors to enhance organizational competence and performance using proven solutions.
A native of Southern Ontario, Canada, Richard’s career history has encompassed many areas within manufacturing, operations, retail and supply chain, covering all the aspects from “quote to cash”.
During the course of his career, Richard has held positions such as:
§ Director of Operations for WEA Music. Witnessed the demise of the 8-Track and the birth of the CD. Started Warner Home Video Division for the duplication and distribution of pre-recorded movies for
§ Materials Manager for Rockwell Automation. Became one of the founding fathers of the HPM Consortium – a consortium of 17 diverse companies striving to achieve excellence by working together. Was also a member of the advanced manufacturing team that worked on product rationalization, development of low cost assembly plants. Scope included Logistics, Purchasing, Scheduling and Planning and Customer Service. During our tenure using supplier development tools was able to reduce Total Cost of Procurement (TCOP) costs by 46%. Reduced supplier base from in excess of 600 suppliers to less than 50 by implementing commodity management.
§ Director of Production Control for CAMI [assembly plant for the Suzuki Tracker and GM Eqinox]. Implementing Lean Manufacturing Principals allowed the plant to reduce inventory from 14 hours to 4 hours within 1 year. Responsible for component acquisition, scheduling from supplier to availability line side. Spent considerable time in
§ Vice President of Manufacturing for R-Theta. Guided this medium sized organization in becoming a global entity using Internet technology, and elements of the Toyota Manufacturing System (Lean Manufacturing) absorbing 20% growth annually with existing resources.
§ Director of Continuous Improvement for Stackpole Limited. Leading coach facilitating the adoption of Lean Principals across 5 facilities under the banner of the Stackpole Production System. The success of the Stackpole Production System resulted in a 70% reduction of inventory and reduced PPM from 1500 to 15. During our tenure we saw the stock value of the company almost increase 10 fold. Established a second consortium within
§ Chief Operating Officer for Kromet International. A multi faceted corporation providing trim components for non automotive applications Richard quickly changed the company through the deployment of Lean Manufacturing Principals and Formal Problem Solving he managed to reduce inventory by 50%, improve on time delivery to 100%, reduce customer complaints as measured in PPM from 16,000 to under 600 within 1 year from commencing implementation.
§ Vice President of Continuous Improvement for La-Z-Boy Residential Division. Developing, deploying and implementing a manufacturing excellence program known as the LZBPS. To date the division is almost fully converted from traditional batch and que operations to cellular manufacturing embodying the principals of 5S 1, Kanban, Material flow routes, Formal Problem Solving. This has enabled the division to produce products domestically for 20% less than comparable products that could be imported from so called Low Cost Countries”. Began the use of Hoishen-Kanri, also know as Policy Deployment planning methodologies.
Richard’s full understanding of the Toyota Production System, Lean Manufacturing, and the Theory of Constraints has enabled him to build a solid track record of optimizing ROS and ROI within an organization. His passion for building teams, continuous improvement and leveraging the human intellect on the shop floor has enabled organizations to accomplish what at first seemed impossible whether it be integrating new technology or increasing the velocity of product flow or information through the operation. His track record of working and assisting organizations globally makes him a highly requested speaker on the topic of Lean and Organization transformation around the globe. He speaks frequently to organizations and associations across the
His background in Supply Chain Management makes him comfortable working in any commodity area of manufacturing whether it be machining, metal stamping, plastic molding, printing or high speed pick and place printed circuit board assembly or wrapping them all together using a solid logistics model whether in-bound or out-bound.
Richard passion to see all organizations succeed beyond their expectations has been honored by allowing him to also be President of the Canadian Region for the AME [Association of Manufacturing Excellence] and to work closely with James Womack on establishing a Lean Institute in
Richard now runs his successful consulting practice KUNST Solutions Corp. devoted to helping organizations of all sizes and commodities to become and remain competitive and to preserve jobs in
( DID 519 651-2341
( Cell 519 841-0150
7 Fax 519 651-2502
rkunst@kunstartofsolutions.com
WHY to use us:
We represent an investment to increase profitability, improve cash flow and increase competitiveness.
Before - Strategic Planning and Design of organization’s
enhancement strategy
During - Development, deployment and training of solutions, tools
and techniques.
After - Audit and review of accomplishments and enhancements
and determine potential next steps.
EXTENT OF CAPABILITIES:
Designers – Plannig and making with skill an outline of a business operating system.
Facilitators – Making easier or more convenient the implementation of solutions to improve cash flow.
Mentors - Wise trusted teachers or guides
© KUNST Solutions Corp.
2007-2008. All rights reserved.