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5 Reasons Why Keeping a Clean Shop is Critical for Success

September 4, 2024
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STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – Growing up, my mom used to call me the “walking tornado” because I left a trail of toys, socks, and food wherever I went. Now, as a parent myself, I find the same chaos with my own little tornado, constantly searching for things only to find them in a toy microwave or buried in play sand. So when I joined COE Press Equipment, I was struck by the level of organization and cleanliness in the shop. In a manufacturing world focused on competitive pricing and cutting operational costs, concepts like Kaizen and 5S are often discussed in relation to productivity and safety. While these methods offer great benefits, they can be costly and time-consuming to implement. To get a clearer picture, I asked a few members of our team how organization impacts their daily work. Here are 5 reasons why keeping a clean shop is critical for success in manufacturing.

A large green and yellow industrial machine sits prominently in the center of a clean shop floor, with surrounding equipment and workbenches visible in the background. The factory has high ceilings, overhead cranes, and bright lighting. A worker in a yellow safety vest and overalls can be seen in the distance, inspecting another machine. The floor is marked with yellow lines for safety, and various tools and materials are organized on nearby shelves. The environment suggests heavy machinery production or maintenance work in a manufacturing facility.
5 Reasons Why Keeping a Clean Shop is Critical For Success

Quick Read

  1. Safety: Prevents accidents and reduces the risk of injuries.
  2. Efficiency: Saves time by making tools and materials easy to find.
  3. Professionalism: Creates a positive impression on clients and visitors.
  4. Employee Morale: Boosts satisfaction by creating a comfortable work environment.
  5. Maintenance: Identifies issues early and extends the life of equipment.

Safety

A clean and organized workspace helps prevent accidents, such as tripping hazards, and reduces the risk of injuries, especially around heavy machinery and tools. James Clayton (Builder) emphasized the importance of eliminating trip hazards, noting that “organization just helps keep track of things,” reducing the likelihood of incidents. Eric DeBusscher (Programmer and Machinist) shared similar sentiments, explaining that keeping hoses and other equipment stored properly not only keeps the space tidy but also ensures everyone can work safely. Troy King (Floor Lead) pointed out that a clutter-free environment is especially important when navigating with high-lo’s, reducing the risk of accidents.

Efficiency

When everything is in its proper place, employees save time and frustration, directly improving productivity. Eric talked about how his method includes organizing his tools and drawers by the process they’re used for, making it easy to locate the right tool at the right time. This system ensures he doesn’t waste time searching, which keeps operations moving. Troy reinforced this, emphasizing how cleaning up after each job makes it easier to stay on track and align with the budget for non-production work time. James added that having everything needed for a task within arm’s reach allows him to maintain focus and speed.

Professionalism

Three men, all dressed in black polo shirts, are gathered around an industrial machine inside a hop. One of them, a technician, is explaining the critical operation of the machine, holding a remote control with coiled wiring. The machine features a complex set of gears and a control panel with multiple buttons and switches. The surrounding area is clean and fenced off with yellow and black barriers for safety. In the background, an American flag hangs on the wall, and the factory is filled with other machinery and equipment. The point of the image is to display the professionalism of keeping a clean shop as critical for success.

An organized shop displays your level of control and competence during customer demonstrations. 

A clean and organized shop doesn’t just benefit employees—it creates a strong impression on visitors and clients. James shared his experience working in various shops, stating, “If you look at COE in comparison to other shops I have worked in, they just don’t even compare. They were not as clean or organized.” Keeping a tidy shop reflects well on the company’s image, showing attention to detail and pride in the workspace, a sentiment pushed by owner John Coe since day one. Eric noted that even when he’s unaware of visitors, keeping his area clean ensures there’s no need to scramble to make things presentable, a point echoed by Troy, who said, “When a shop is clean for visitors, it just looks good on us.”

Employee Morale

A clean and orderly workspace contributes to a positive environment where employees can feel more comfortable and focused. Troy noted how his team works better when their space is clean, reducing the stress of navigating cluttered areas. He added, “Everyone is in a better mood with a clean shop.” James also highlighted how stepping over others’ tools or components can lead to frustration, reinforcing the idea that cleanliness not only makes work easier but also helps maintain harmony among the team. For Eric, being able to locate his tools quickly and efficiently gives him a sense of control and ownership over his work area, adding to his overall job satisfaction.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular cleaning not only keeps the shop tidy but also helps identify potential issues early on. Eric suggested that having a dedicated weekly cleaning time can help address often-overlooked tasks such as sweeping under equipment and scrubbing down walls and floors. This practice helps prevent wear and tear from going unnoticed, ultimately extending the life of tools and machinery. By keeping everything in good condition, COE Press Equipment ensures its machines stay operational longer, avoiding costly repairs and downtime.

The culture of organization is just as important digitally. Stay tuned for the next blog on staying organized in the digital landscape.

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