Dan Parmentier, Crane Operator (Olympic Steel – Bettendorf, Iowa)

Keeping your eyes open – even in other areas of the company – can help you identify better, more cost-efficient ways to get things done.

Dan Parmentier is a crane operator, not a wood shop team member. But Dan noticed something in the wood shop and wondered if there was a better way – a way that could save time and money.

When making skids, we had to individually cut down 120” x 1” x 6” boards to make our 48” x 60” skids. Dan consulted with Garry from the woodshop who estimated that it took him 6 to 8 hours to cut each bundle.

Dan was proactive and spoke with Rich Klyman, Operations Procurement Specialist, Sr., who confirmed that the lumber yard could precut the size that was needed (120” x 1” x 6”) for 88 cents each. Armed with that information, Dan communicated with management to get the new process approved and implemented.

The result? We no longer need to cut the longer boards down to size to make skids, saving time and both lumber and labor costs. Dan’s initiative will save Olympic Steel Iowa approximately $10,000 in lumber and labor.

Lesson Learned: Keeping your eyes open – even in other areas of the company – can help you identify better, more cost-efficient ways to get things done.