Originally posted on edcsbds.org
Incorporated in 1999, AG Machining started as a two-person machine shop that did only milling. Now, it is a thriving family-owned manufacturer with 105 employees and a long list of machining capabilities. In 2009, owner Angel Garcia considered moving the operation to Mexico to cut costs. The city of Moorpark and the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center worked with him to keep the business local. AG Machining moved to a 117,000-square-foot facility in Moorpark, enabling the company to grow its product offerings and its workforce.
SBDC advisor Carlos Conejo, a lean manufacturing expert, worked with Garcia and his staff to improve efficiency. He brought in a group of California Lutheran University business students to videotape one of the production lines. They examined the footage for areas of waste and time loss. Based on their findings, the floor layout was redesigned. The production process was also converted to flow in a line, rather than in batches.
The SBDC was a huge help. If we can find other areas where we can improve our production time and efficiency, it will pay huge dividends moving forward.
Angel Garcia, Owner
Conejo also helped the company institute and fully utilize a software program for inventory control.
Continued Learning
After completing workforce training in 2013—conducted in English and in Spanish—the company saw a great improvement in production efficiency. AG Machining recently completed another 10-week course in lean manufacturing. They plan for the training to be ongoing so that every existing and new employee can participate.
Company Vice President Eddie Garcia said they are looking to move into a larger facility in the future. They want to diversify by opening new divisions and developing their own product line.
As an added bonus, working with the SBDC has brought the company additional customers. “There’s nothing stronger than a good referral from SBDC,” said Eddie.