BISHAMON INDUSTRIES CORPORATION RETAINS TEN JOBS AND IS READY TO TAKE ON COMPETITION
Local employer benefits through County Workforce Investment Board
Process Improvement Program

San Bernardino, CA – –Bishamon Industries Corporation faced increased competition with their EZ Loader product, which could have translated to lost sales and lost jobs. With the introduction of the new model, they needed to make sure they could efficiently produce and deliver this product before the competition stepped in.

When Robert Stone, vice president of Engineering and Manufacturing at Bishamon Industries Corporation, received a letter from the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board about the LEAN Manufacturing Program with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), it couldn’t have come at a better time. “The EZ Loader is our premier product and if we lost market share, it would cost us valuable employees,” he said.

CMTC came in and showed the company areas of improvement in assembly and welding. Employees were excited to share their ideas and work as a team with the consultant and executives for the good of the entire company.

“We’ve already seen growing sales for our new EZ Loader and the hard work has paid off,” Stone said. “By shipping our product in two days, we will maintain our competitive edge.”

Through the LEAN Manufacturing Program, Bishamon retained 10 jobs. Additionally, Stone also utilized the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Business Resource Team to recruit and hire a shipping supervisor. “They found a great person for us who plays a very important role in satisfying our customers,” Stone said.

“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s LEAN Manufacturing program effectively helps local businesses retain employees and hire additional personnel,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.