Business View Magazine - Feb 2024

referencing the sense of belonging that the company has managed to create among its workforce. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AS THE COMPANY ENGINE While company culture and morale are important, they’re only half of the puzzle. Management of operations is also key and, on that front, The Will- Burt Company is quite masterful in its execution. “We focus on inventory levels. Over the years, we’ve all learned that inventory has a direct impact on the value of the stocks that we hold,” Cotsmire says, explaining that when the companymanages to retain the right type and amount of inventory, its stock value rises due to money not being wastefully tied up into things that aren’t of value to the company. This emphasis on tight-knight inventorymanagement has prompted the company to rethink its approach to design. Because many of its products are made to order, there is a larger focus on building products using universal parts, which helps streamline the manufacturing process entirely. “It’s a combination of Just-In-Time and Strategic Stocking, which depends on the products,” Chamberlain explains, referencing the two main inventory management strategies used by the company. The Will-Burt Company actively leverages its global scope in combination with this emphasis on universal design, as it is now able to reliably manufacture products that were previously exclusive to its German plant at its U.S. location, which significantly reduces transportation costs. So, on top of the education, consistent investments, and transparency, there is an even larger system of operations that contributes to the company’s incredible success. This combo of culture and systems is undoubtedly why over the years, The Will-Burt Company has garnered so many accolades, including Business Impact Awards and prestigious safety recognitions. Its commitment to excellence extends beyond THE WI LL-BURT COMPANY