Wood Product Manufacturing
Springfield, Oregon
Founded 1890
275 Employees
Rosboro’s Journey with OMEP
Rosboro LLC, the largest manufacturer of glulam in the United States, partnered with OMEP to improve efficiency and strengthen its culture of continuous improvement. Operating facilities in Springfield and Vaughn, Rosboro faced pressure to increase output with a leaner workforce and new equipment that was not performing at full potential. OMEP brought together a cross-functional team of managers and operators to collect data, identify sources of variation, and design future-state processes. Together they implemented standard work, improved downtime tracking, and engaged employees at every level in problem-solving. The results were substantial: a 30% increase in operating efficiency, year-to-date cost savings of $630,000, and measurable gains in leadership development as the next generation of leaders took on more responsibility. By embedding lean practices and creating systems for accountability, Rosboro has strengthened its operations and built momentum toward sustained growth and innovation.
30%
Increase to Operating Efficiency
$630,000
Year-To-Date Cost Savings
Leadership
Developed Skills of Next Generation Leadership
Background
Rosboro LLC innovated the glulam industry in the 1960s and now serves as the largest manufacturer of glulam in the United States. They currently operate in two locations: Springfield and Vaughn. The Springfield mill produces studs, dimensional lumber, and glulam products, where the Vaughn plant focuses on stock and custom glulam applications.
The Situation
Rosboro dug in and weathered the storm of economic volatility over the past decade and is now looking toward continued growth and innovation. They have a smaller workforce than in years past with high demands on production; as such, they are keenly interested in building a methodical, continuous improvement culture to engage employees in problem-solving and innovation. They recently invested in new equipment that was not yet performing to its full potential.
The Solution
OMEP helped Rosboro to assemble a team of employees including management and operators upstream, within the value stream, and downstream. The team collected data and analyzed the gap between current and future states – as well as sources of variation within the process.
The Results
- Identified best practices and established standard work for all roles within the value stream
- Improved operating efficiency by 30% to meet targets
- Developed skills of next-generation leadership
- Improved tracking of downtime by center to allow for more immediate, actionable reporting
- Year to date cost savings of $630,000
“Our Log Merchandising Line is just one example of the many areas OMEP has helped improve our operations and culture. We have used OMEP in several capacities including, LEAN training, meetings facilitation, Standard Work, and waste tracking. Our culture is transforming and improvements are noticeable.”
Kevin Lee
VP Operations/Lumber Sales