The Power of Intentionality in Manufacturing: Shifting from Quantity to Quality
"Intentionality is the key to success in manufacturing. It's about being deliberate, thorough, and strategic in every aspect of the process." – Benny McKinney, Blend, Mix, Dispersion Specialist at Ascent Chemicals
Chemical manufacturing is a complex and dynamic industry that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on quality. Gone are the days when producing high quantities was the primary goal. Today, the emphasis has shifted to producing better quality products, and this change in mindset has significant implications for the chemical manufacturing industry.
Benny McKinney, a blending, mixing, and dispersion specialist working out of Ascent Chemicals’ Fountain Inn, South Carolina production facility just celebrated his seventh anniversary with the company this past winter. A former member of the United States Navy, McKinney attacks each day with the same precision and discipline as he had during his time in the Navy.
“Safety to me is the ultimate goal,” McKinney says. “There is nothing that can be done that’s too obsessive when it comes to safety and you have to make sure the area you’re working is safe and always up to code.”
McKinney runs the facility’s only SuperMill and tries to lead by example with his commitment and dedication to safety. For McKinney, being intentional in his work means having a clear plan, a well-defined process, and a commitment to doing things the right way. It involves being thorough and meticulous in every aspect of the manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final product inspection. Being intentional also means being proactive and anticipating potential issues or challenges and taking steps to address them before they become bigger problems.
“I’ve had customers come through the plant and I let them know that their product is as important to me as it is to them,” McKinney explains. “The only way to build trust with our customers is to deliver what they’ve asked for. We can’t deviate from that.”
McKinney and the rest of the Ascent Chemicals team works with an intentionality that helps drive successful operating procedures. Whether it’s improved quality, increased efficiencies, enhanced safety, reducing costs, or empowering Ascent’s team members, intentionality is what drives the team. By paying attention to every detail and following a well-defined process, McKinney and his team can ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations.
Intentionality in manufacturing also leads to increased efficiency. When McKinney has a clear plan and a well-defined process, it helps eliminate waste, reduce downtime, and optimize resources. This results in improved production cycle times, higher output, and improved overall operational performance.
“Since the new Ascent leadership team has come in, there’s been a shift in mindset,” McKinney says. “The focus now is on better quality instead of quantity. One of the things I’m happiest about is what the plant looks like today compared to before.”
Traditionally, manufacturing – and not just chemical manufacturing – has been focused on producing high quantities of products to meet market demands. However, the paradigm has shifted in recent years, with manufacturers realizing that producing better quality products is more important than simply producing in large quantities. This change in mindset is driven by the increasing demand for high-quality products from consumers, changing regulatory requirements, and the recognition that producing large quantities of defective products is not sustainable in the long run.
The Ascent Chemicals leadership team understands that being intentional about producing quality products not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces costs, improves operational efficiency, and enhances the Ascent brand. This shift in mindset requires a change in processes, systems, and culture, with a focus on quality at every stage of the manufacturing process. It requires investing in quality control measures, employee training, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that the products meet or exceed customer expectations.
In today's manufacturing landscape, being intentional is crucial for success. Shifting from a quantity-focused mindset to a quality-focused mindset can lead to improved product quality, increased efficiency, enhanced safety, reduced costs, and empowered employees. By being deliberate, thorough, and strategic in every aspect of the manufacturing process, McKinney and the Ascent Chemicals team can achieve operational excellence and deliver products that meet or exceed customer expectations.