New facility for the manufacture of precision infrared optical components was designed utilising the latest lean and agile manufacturing principles with continuous improvement concepts
Janos Technology, a supplier of precision infrared optical components, lenses, assemblies and custom designed items for commercial OEM, aerospace/military and astronomy/R and D markets announces their recent move from Townshend, Vermont to a state-of-the-art facility in Keene, New Hampshire, USA.
The new 3700m2 facility (with the capacity to expand an additional 1500m2) was designed utilising the latest lean and agile (ie, flexible) manufacturing principles with continuous improvement concepts, the company says.
Lens systems will be assembled in a class 1000 clean room environment with hoods capable of sustaining a class 100 local condition.
The enhanced capabilities of the new anti-reflection coating clean room, and significant additions in coating equipment, increases both the capacity and the quality of the conventional and diamond-like coatings currently produced at Janos Technology.
This clean room also enables future expansion into another market segment with the production of high-powered laser optics.
According to Brett Rosner, president of Janos Technology, "the open manufacturing layout is consistent with a visual factory philosophy and reinforces a one-team atmosphere rather than a departmentalised structure.
"The incorporation of agile features (such as overhead electrical, water, air, data links, etc) will enable us to easily, and cost effectively, rearrange and restructure our production line to accommodate custom manufacturing needs with minimal interruption to production.
"This ability to streamline and optimise processes will result in reductions in lead time and cost - both important factors in remaining competitive in this global economy.
"Many of the concepts utilised, and much of the detailed layout of the plant, were the result of efforts contributed to us by our aerospace customers.
"During this process, they opened their doors to us and provided whatever support we needed.
"We surely owe them a debt of gratitude and thank them for all that they have done for us".
The newly designed plant will house the company's 80 employees with an additional 15 positions available.
