The history of
KROMET began back in the early 1960s when a draftsman,
a machinist and a tool and die maker who were working
for a major component manufacturer to the auto industry
decided to step out on their own and create a new
business. In 1963 a venture was formed. Depco is
still successfully operating as a significant supplier
of decorative trim to the major auto manufacturers.
By 1967 it became apparent that a spin-off company
to address the decorative needs of the appliance
manufacturers could be a successful venture and
a second company that became Kromet was started.
It began with one roll forming machine and four
employees in a 5,000-square-foot plant.
By 1968 the company had to expand to a 12,000-square-food
space and by 1969 we needed 18,000 sq. feet of elbow
room. The summer of 1999 found Kromet on its new
20-acre site in Cambridge with a 150,000-square-foot
plant and 175 employees. This site also allows expansion
when appropriate.
In 1975 Kromet purchased an anodizing company in
Brantford and expanded into fabrication, relocating
to Hamilton in 1978. Now named Alumabrite, the Hamilton
plant specializes in curved handles for high end
appliances using the BASS finish we had perfected.
In March 1996 we purchased another company in North
Vernon, Indiana that became Kromet America Inc.,
which is managed by the Canadian corporate office.
One of its roles is to custom finish parts built
in the Canadian facilities. Kromet America also
powder paint and e-coat for appliance and automotive
component manufacturers in their trading area.
October of 2003, we embarked into our lean journey
………
Along with multiple technology and organizational
strength, Kromet and Alumabrite took on a holistic
management operating system that defines how our
people, processes and operating practices combine
to continuously reduce waste and achieve the desired
goals of our Customers, Employees
and Shareholders. This management operating
system is founded on the principles and tools of
lean manufacturing and reflects an ardent conviction
that there is always a simpler, better way.
In order to build enduring operational prowess,
Kromet Alumabrite has put into practice within the
holistic management operating system all of the
attributes through the three subsystems to:
i. Engage all employees in continuous
improvement, (“Inspired People”)
ii. Achieve robust and capable processes (“Robust
Processes”)
iii. Employ lean operating practices (“Lean Operations”)
The principals within the Kromet Alumabrite Production
System are to achieve and sustain continuous flow
of product. The principals, shall detect, identify
and resolve any disturbances to flow that occur.
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