43 LISI - 2024 Integrated Report LISI MEDICAL’s Big Lake site in Minnesota, USA, specializes in the production of implants for spinal surgery and components for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Big Lake currently operates 15 automated cells with 62 CNC machines and a further 24 machines with robotic part handling. To keep pace with market growth – business has almost doubled in 3 years – the site has embarked on a 484,000 sq ft. expansion project in 2024. The in-house team in charge of automated lines has been strengthened to enable a gradual increase in the sales/FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) ratio over the next four years. Automation efforts are now focused on secondary manufacturing processes, with the use of artificial intelligence for automated control stages. “These technological developments not only enable us to respond to market growth, but also to increase the skill level and remuneration of our employees, emphasizes Kenneth Durham, VP General Manager of LISI MEDICAL US. The creation of a highly technological, Industry 4.0-type facility improves competitiveness and is also an effective recruitment and retention strategy at a time when the job market remains tight in the USA.” These transformations have eliminated manual tasks and considerably improved site ergonomics. They also favored the deployment of closed-loop manufacturing processes and the implementation of a global management model, capable of measuring the site’s overall real-time performance (OEE). These technological advancements enable us to meet market growth while also enhancing the skill levels of our employees.” Kenneth Durham, VP General Manager, LISI MEDICAL US High-Level Teams for the Big Lake Expansion “A highly effective system that enables us to monitor process efficiency and continuously improve performance, notes Kenneth Durham. This new organization supports highvolume production for the minimally invasive surgery market, with unrivalled levels of quality and productivity,” he concludes. #MEDICAL #AUTOMATION
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