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Hammond Group, Inc. (HGI) is a specialty chemical company with over 90 years of service to battery manufacturers with production in Hammond, IN., Pottstown, PA., Gateshead, England, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. HGI’s mission is to enable lead-acid battery technology to be the competitive choice among “advanced batteries” in vehicle fleet electrification, power grid stabilization, and green energy storage. 

Situation

HGI serves multi-billion-dollar customers who expect the company’s production processes and management control systems to be as sophisticated as their own. HGI sees Purdue as a champion for NW Indiana industry by making available MEP programs that provide such technical competence training, and at an affordable price. The offerings of Purdue MEP were a natural fit for the business objectives of HGI.

Solution  

Among MEP’s numerous programs, HGI has used the Management Leadership Series, Six Sigma certification, Advanced Product Quality Planning, Problem Solving—PDCA, A3 and Root Cause Analysis, FMEA Overview, and Statistical Process Control, as well as Management Succession Planning.

Results

HGI recently achieved its goal of successfully implementing an IATF 16949:2016, which is the International Standard for Automotive Quality Management Systems. Utilizing Purdue MEP's skilled IATF 16949 subject matter experts, Hammond Group was able to identify all areas within our organization requiring continual improvement to achieve compliance. Throughout the process, the training and support provided by Purdue MEP ensured Hammond Group was knowledgeable and prepared in every aspect of the standard before and during the IATF 16949 certification process.

In addition, Purdue’s Succession Planning program provided HGI with an objective, comprehensive review of the company’s management talent and our unfilled future needs. As a result, HGI implemented steps in C-level executive succession and provided promotions to five future leaders. Other recommended changes will provide an estimated $1 million savings in our annual compensation expense.  

Most broadly, HGI deeply appreciates Purdue’s outreach and being a champion for local industry which, in turn, has helped Hammond Group grow and provide our Northwest Indiana community with challenging, high-quality jobs. 

 

“Hammond Group considers Purdue’s MEP program to be a world-class consultancy helping us solve varied manufacturing problems and management challenges. With their affordable programs our employees continually upgrade their knowledge and skills while addressing practical, everyday issues.”

Terrence Murphy, President and CEO of Hammond Group, Inc.