Rimex Wins Innovations Contest

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Rimex Supply is the winner of WorkSafeBC’s 2014 Innovations Contest. According to WorkSafeBC, Rimex used a participatory approach, consulting with their workers, to make improvements to their processing of half and full lock rings.

“The old process had workers lifting or lowering the rings, which weigh up to 50 kg (110 lb.), eleven times while taking them through their stations. After building new top plates and tables and connecting the stations using roller conveyors, Rimex reduced the lifting or lowering of rings to two times. Workers developed, tested, and improved the solutions throughout the process.

“One of the improvements involved reducing noise levels during stamping, by using a table with rubber between two steel plates. Plans for continued improvement include adding a rotating table to turn the full lock rings and a hoist attachment to eliminate manual lifting.”

“We were very honored to even be considered for this award. We try to involve our employees in all decisions which affect them and their working conditions. This was truly an example of the kind of success you can achieve with a participatory approach,” says James Read, Rimex’s Agassiz Plant Manager.

“Having endeavored to start our journey down the lean Manufacturing road, we have been correctly and gently coerced into the participatory method and the rewards are obvious not only for the recognition, but for the positive moral that derives from true teamwork, calculated empowerment and education.”

RIMEX Supply

RIMEX is the leading custom manufacturer of all off road wheel and rim assemblies. RIMEX’s primary markets include mining, forestry, agriculture and industrial equipment, specializing in haul trucks and loaders. Established in 1976, RIMEX has over 35-years-experience custom manufacturing wheels and rims for some of the world’s largest and most demanding vehicles.

In addition to wheels and rims designed to meet various off-highway applications, RIMEX offers a full range of complementary products to match their wheel counterparts. A tire pressure monitoring system, portable tire press, and air pressure relief valves are just a sample of the many RIMEX products that will save you time and money and improve worksite safety.