May 19, 2003
HEALEY LAUDS AIS EXPANSION, JOB GROWTH
Honors Employees for National Manufacturing Award
HUDSON– Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced the expansion of Affordable Interior Systems, Inc.’s (AIS) manufacturing facility, which will add 15 new jobs and help fuel the local economy.
“We applaud AIS for growing jobs and developing a top-notch manufacturing operation,” said Healey. “Governor Romney and I will continue to hold the line on taxes and create a business friendly environment in the Bay State so we can continue to create more jobs and get the state’s economy back on track.”
The 50,000 square foot expansion of AIS nearly doubles the size of its facility located at 4 Bonnazoli Drive, and will help in the manufacturing of its new product line of office work systems. The expansion will also allow for new shipping and loading docks, improving the efficiency of moving AIS products. The expansion is being built by Cutler Associates of Worcester. AIS expects the space to be completed by the end of the year. AIS will have nearly 200 jobs once the expansion is complete.
“Who said that manufacturing is dead in Massachusetts?” asked Arthur Maxwell, President of AIS. “We are proof that manufacturing, when done right, can survive and actually thrive in this state. It is largely because of our commitment to the principles of lean manufacturing that we are here today. We are serious about eliminating waste, eliminating waiting times and delivering superior products on time to our customers. We are competitive with the big players in our industry because we are lean, but not mean.”
Bruce Platzman, CEO of AIS, said the company’s success is due to the hard work of every employee. “We would not be here today if it weren’t for the dedication of all of our employees from those on the factory floor to national sales teams. Everyone has worked to get us here.”
AIS’ announcement coincides with Governor Mitt Romney proclaiming this week Manufacturing Week in Massachusetts. Bruce Hamilton, President of the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, speaking at the groundbreaking, said that AIS is an example of the future of manufacturing in Massachusetts.
“As we celebrate manufacturing week in Massachusetts, it’s encouraging to witness a company that has invested in lean manufacturing learning for its employees as a key strategy for growth. The Commonweath’s Workforce Training Program has made this possible,” said Hamilton.
Founded in 1990, AIS is a leading manufacturer of office systems furniture. AIS got its start by recognizing the need for high quality, low-cost systems furniture solutions. Initially, AIS presented its products as an alternative to used and refurbished systems products. AIS operates with 175 employees out of two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to bring alternatives to market at a lower cost to consumers. AIS products are distributed through over 650 dealers in 44 states and in the Caribbean.
Today’s ceremonies also included a tribute to AIS employees who helped the company win the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. AIS is the only small company among the award recipients this year and the only manufacturer of its kind in the furniture industry to receive the Shingo Prize. AIS officially received the award and was honored at a ceremony held last week in Detroit.
The Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing is administered by the College of Business, Utah State University, in cooperation with several distinguished non-profit and corporate organizations. Since 1989, the award has been given annually to manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Mexico that deliver world-class performance through lean principles and techniques in core manufacturing and business processes.
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