Director of Communications Robin Palmer

Robin Palmer, a marketing specialist and former journalist, has joined us as our director of communications. For us and you, this addition to our team means an opportunity to share more of our story.

A prime example is a recent manufacturing forum held here at WallGoldfinger. The forum, by the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, highlighted our recovery from Tropical Storm Irene and our implementation of Lean principles. 

Tropical Storm Irene devastated Vermont in 2011. Many areas of the state underwent extensive flooding, including Northfield where we were previously located. Our factory was wiped out, our supplies covered in mud and our equipment ruined.

As a result, we moved to a new factory space in Randolph. The new factory is spacious, bright, modern and energy efficient. It is also "movement" efficient, if you will. In our new space, we have worked to create an operational environment that means faster, better construction methods for us and, consequently, for our clients.

What do we mean by that? A very simple example is the concept of shadow boards. In each area of the factory we have boards or carts that hold just the tools we need for the function that occurs there. The tool is outlined on the board where it should hang, so it can easily be noted if it is missing. Tools also have colored tape on their handles to show where they belong within the factory, so should one be found elsewhere, we know just where it goes. Compare this to a toolbox filled with an assortment of tools that you can't see and may not even need, and you can imagine how much time we save, and how great our factory looks. 

This story of success appeared in regional media thanks to Robin's new role at WallGoldfinger.