Precision Optical Fabrication
Bandon, Oregon
Founded 1976
80+ Employees
Hardin Optical Company’s Journey with OMEP
Hardin Optical Company, a second-generation family business in Bandon, Oregon, produces precision optical lenses for commercial and defense applications, requiring micrometer-level tolerances. Facing stagnation from declining yields, turnover, and shrinking margins, the company turned to OMEP for support. Together, they launched a multi-year plan that included operational improvements on key production lines, a new ERP system for real-time data, supervisor coaching, employee development, and a review of strategic and quality management practices. These efforts transformed operations, achieving 100% on-time delivery and zero returns with their largest customer while producing more than 300,000 precision parts. The company created 10 new jobs, secured sales increases of 250% and 300% with two Tier 1 defense suppliers, and achieved record-setting revenue in 2023. With improved processes, stronger leadership, and data-driven decision-making, Hardin is now positioned as a top-performing defense supplier and a trusted partner for next-generation projects.
300,000
Parts Made with Zero Returns
10
Jobs Created
+250%
Revenue with One Supplier
Background
A second-generation, family-owned small business located in HUB-Zone designated rural Bandon, Oregon, Hardin Optical Company is a manufacturer of precision optical lenses with commercial and defense applications. Some of their most specialized products are manufactured to excruciating micrometer-level tolerances that cannot be measured using conventional industry mechanical metrology.
The Situation
The company was facing a series of small challenges that imposed a level of stagnation that was eroding the bottom line – first-pass yield was declining, employee turnover was up, margins were narrowing, the customer base defied growth, and small-run projects were sacrificing profitability.
The Solution
In coordination with Hardin, OMEP developed a comprehensive series of projects, including: operational improvements in the two most important production lines; implementation of a new ERP to provide better clarity with data in real time; employee development to nurture talent and invest in the workforce; supervisor coaching to provide leadership skills and practical expertise in lean practices; revised and updated standard work, review of strategic plan and critical roles; and a reorganization of the Business Development and Quality Management practices to better align with the strategic and operational plans.
“The OMEP team members have a broad suite of valuable skill sets,” said Vice President and General Manager of Hardin, Martin Mather. “Their expertise helped close gaps in Finances, Process Development, and Process Control & Documentation. The way the team members steer, coach, and mentor drives improvement and creates employee ownership. It has been a very successful partnership, and the results are clear to see with reduced costs, improved delivery, and sustained or improved quality.”
The Results
While this ambitious multi-year plan took dedication, it delivered a business transformed, with the following high-level impacts:
- Top performing of three critical defense article suppliers.
- Improved productivity, with 100% OTD and zero returns with their largest customer – over 300,000 precision, hand-made parts.
- Creation of 10 new jobs.
- Sales improved with a 250% and 300% increase with two different Tier 1 defense suppliers and record-setting revenue in 2023.
- Asked to produce new prototype components for next-generation DoD platforms.
- ERP unlocked data-driven decision making, transforming production and financial analysis.
“[OMEP’s] expertise helped close gaps in Finances, Process Development, and Process Control & Documentation. The way the team members steer, coach, and mentor drives improvement and creates employee ownership. It has been a very successful partnership, and the results are clear to see with reduced costs, improved delivery, and sustained or improved quality.”
Martin Mather
Vice President and General Manager of Hardin