Mission Bell uses On-Screen Takeoff, a
digital takeoff program that allows them
to quickly and efficiently identify and bid
millwork scope on projects.
Shop uses cells, lean
“We have full production
capability, including automated
panel saws, routers/machin-
ing centers, edgebanders, and
dowel-insertion machines,” Ri-
pley said. “For most functions,
we have redundant capability in
case one machine is down for
maintenance. We also have an
IntelliStore panel storage and
retrieval system.”
Ripley told
CabinetMaker+FDM that the
company reorganized its case-
work production line into cells
to facilitate communication and enhance work-
flow in the shop. Each cell is led by a team leader
who is empowered to solve problems and collabo-
rate with colleagues.
Mission Bell has used lean manufacturing
techniques aimed at eliminating waste for many
years. Modifications to minimize inventory, touch
time by operators, and facilitate “one-piece flow”
are examples of the company’s lean focus.
“Our veneer shop is one of the
finest on the West Coast and gives
us unique capabilities,” Ripley
said. “We build our own laminate
tops and have several large spray
booths for custom finishing.”
Automated material handling
“We added the IntelliStore
and a new Homag edgebander
in 2012,” Ripley said. “We are
now in the process of expand-
ing our IntelliStore, and acquir-
ing a new panel saw, router and
roll coat finishing line.”
The IntelliStore system stores
sheet goods ( 4 x 8 and 5 x 10
sheets) in a space-efficient manner, kits up custom
bunks for processing as engineering releases work
to the shop, and tracks usage of all materials for
inventory and management reporting of activity.
The IntelliStore improved the receiving
process, significantly reduced forklift traffic,
automated handling of large items, and increased
Mission Bell’s ability to account for and manage
stock inventory.
Who: Mission Bell
Manufacturing, Inc.
Where: Morgan Hill, California
What: Commercial millwork
and casework
Employees: 175 employees
Plant size: 80,000 square feet
Website: www.missionbell.com
At a glance
Bargstedt IntelliStore demonstrated
recently at Stiles Machinery event.
