Hansen Plastics

December 4, 2019

Association of Manufacturing Excellence Names Hansen Plastics’ Terry Spalding a Member of their Midwest Region Board of Directors


December 4, 2019 – Elgin, IL – Hansen Plastics is known for setting examples in lean, value-driven manufacturing at the national level. This is due in part to the company’s Continuous Improvement specialist, Terry Spalding, and his unique focus on helping companies reinforce their lean vision. Recently, Spalding was named a member of the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Midwest Region Board of Directors. This is yet another exciting accomplishment in Spalding’s prestigious career.

Terry Spalding has more than 35 years of experience in numerous roles spanning Team Leader to Vice President of Operations. He received his training In Nagoya, Japan in the 1980s on the Toyota Production System (TPS) at the Denso World Headquarters. Over the years, Spalding continued to work with several incredibly well-known Japanese organizations and furthered his knowledge of TPS tools and methods by working closely with a variety of his peers and many talented managers.

His knowledge and experience allowed him to become a promoter for lean manufacturing for a wide variety of companies. Since his time in Japan, Spalding has been named a Shingo Prize Team Leader Emeritus, and he continues to work as a Research Examiner for Utah State University-sponsored Shingo Institute. He spends his time certifying not only reference materials but also companies spanning the globe and competing for the coveted Shingo Institute Prize.

Spalding currently works alongside the team at Hansen Plastics as their Lean Champion and Continuous Improvement specialist. His expert knowledge of Kaizen tools allows him the opportunity to train Hansen Plastics’ employees in the best lean manufacturing practices. As always, his goal is to help the company learn and live those lean principles so that each member of the employee-owned company sees not only a better working environment but also more earnings and a better overall sense of accomplishment.

Per Terry Spalding, “I am thrilled and humbled by my recent selection to AME’s Midwest Region Board of Directors.” Spalding says that the AME’s mantra – Share, Learn, and Grow – fits well with his own personal philosophy, and he is excited about his place on the regional board dedicated to developing, sponsoring, and hosting educational events like talks and workshops throughout the Midwest.

To learn more about Hansen Plastics and their expert approach to lean manufacturing, feel free to visit their website or contact them at (847)741-0253.

About Terry Spalding: Terry Spalding is a manufacturing professional with more than 35 years of experience in lean manufacturing operations leadership. His experience spans from leading and coaching operations that are responsible for generating incredible revenue streams, supporting executive management in their strategy development endeavors, and providing insight and strategy for mergers and acquisitions. Spalding is also known for developing metrics that truly work for individual businesses without taking away from the importance of TPS practices.

About Hansen Plastics: Hansen Plastics is an employee-owned company in Elgin, IL that focuses on injection molding manufacturing and design that fits the needs of dozens of clients. The company utilizes a multifaceted value stream mapping process that makes them one of the leading pioneers and trendsetters in the plastics industry. Their success in the industry is driven by their commitments to lean manufacturing and new technology.