Industry Insight

MOVING TOWARDS A SOLID FOUNDATION.
A LOOK AT METHODS AND PROCEDURES USED.

January, 2000, Vienna, VA — Over the past year, Chuck Blevins & Associates has worked with newspapers to help ensure a successful future by developing solid operational, equipment, and facility design projects that meet their long-term needs. The methods used have included strategic planning studies, operations and distribution analysis, equipment determination and design layout, and operations efficiency and quality improvement programs. CBAssociates would like to share a few of our recent projects with you.

The Daily Herald in Arlington, Illinois and CBAssociates are working together on equipment definition and facility layout. The project began with a strategic planning study involving the development of a product and process plan. Our approach is to form a team with the client to determine the plan that meets their needs.

The Fayetteville Observer-Times in Fayetteville, North Carolina has continued the relationship with Chuck Blevins & Associates that started with the development of a product plan through equipment selection. We are currently working with the Observer-Times on the start-up phase of their new press. The on-going relationship has included working on a transition plan, developing a training plan, and serving as a sounding board for ideas for the transition from letterpress to offset.

CBAssociates' operations efficiency and quality improvement programs are also a good way to create a solid foundation of the operations of a printing plant. The recently announced intentions of OSHA to impose new rules on those operations that have repetitive motion have increased the interest in improving packaging operations across the country.

The North Platte Telegraph commissioned CBAssociates to observe and work with their employees to improve the packaging operation. Areas of focus included the review of the practices and procedures of their operation and hands-on assistance and training.

Chuck Blevins & Associates strives to offer services that can help create a solid foundation on which to make decisions to insure the near and long-term needs of the newspaper are met. Our experience and flexibility can help meet these challenges.

For information on Chuck Blevins & Associates and its services, please contact Janelle Piccola at 303-431-5909 or e-mail us at Janellepiccola@chuckblevins.com.