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September 18, 2009

Tips on staying Lean and Green: Energy Audits

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community, Green — Melody @ 12:19 pm

At Osborne Wood Products, we are excited about the opportunity we have to inspire those around us to make changes for the better. Featuring the information that we have on Lean Manufacturing and on eco-friendly ways of doing business, we are certain that many of you have seen how being “lean” and being “green” can go hand in hand. Today’s post is no exception. We recently decided to do an energy audit, in the interest of Lean Manufacturing, but have realized its implications for helping us to be a greener business, too!

This week we had Bob Hitch come and do an energy audit for us. Hitch is the Project Manager for Energy and Environmental Services at Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute. He came out to the plant and took a good look at the way we operate, analyzing data, and making observations. While some of that data is still being transformed into usable reports, we have already been able to draw several action points from the audit. Although one of the end goals of an energy audit is a smaller energy bill, the actual measuring rod - so to speak- is kilowatt usage per hour (kwh), so what we are looking for is an overall reduction in kwh from month to month.
We were able to discern the three biggest energy-users in our plant, which is integral to determining how to decrease energy consumption without hindering productivity. In our plant, the Big Three were our dust collection system, the production equipment, and the air conditioning system (during cooling months).

Here are some of the action points derived from that data:

1) The dust collection system has a maximum capacity of 45,000 cubic feet per minute of air removal, but not all of the intakes on the system are constantly in use. We are looking at the possibility of gating the intakes and cycling down the motor using a variable speed drive in order to consume less energy.

2) We are already using High Efficiency T5 (energy reducing) lighting in the offices, and we are currently looking at implementing the use of this same lighting in the shop.

3) We are looking at what the optimal temperature is for each area of the plant (office, warehouse, production floor) to keep the workload on the AC/Heating system as low as possible, while still ensuring a) optimal temperature for working and storing of wood products, and b) comfort of employees.

The data collected from this audit is turned into charts and graphs, giving us easily read sources to compare the usage against in the coming months.

These changes do more than just save money and streamline our processes. They enable us to use less energy, reducing our carbon-footprint even more. This is a great example of how Lean and Green go hand in hand. Waste not, want not, as the old adage goes. Energy Audits and subsequent practical analysis helps you to “waste not” your monetary resources and the resources this planet has to offer!

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September 11, 2009

Now Offering Select Products in FSC Certified Wood

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community, New Items, Green — Melody @ 9:52 am

As you have been browsing the website, some of you may have noticed that our list of wood types has changed. The wood types are now broken down into groups. The “Traditional” and “Premium” selections are relatively easy to discern: Traditional includes both commonly used woods and paint grade woods, where the Premium includes the rare wood types and also higher quality stain grade woods. The third category that is available for select products, though, might not be as instantly recognizable: FSC Certified.

For some of our customers, FSC Certified lumber is something long requested, but we realize that many of you may not be as familiar with exactly what FSC Certification is. What does it tell you about the product?

FSC, first of all, stands for the Forestry Stewardship Council. It is a non-profit group whose purpose is to promote and encourage responsible management of the world’s forests. Primarily, the purpose of the organization centered around certifying producers of lumber, and these types of certification are often referred to as F.M. (Forestry Management). However, the FSC also has a chain of custody (COC) certification, to ensure the high standards that the FSC puts forth are followed all the way down the line to its sale to an end user. Basically, at every step along the way a company or handler of products must show that they are meeting these standards, or they are not allowed to use the FSC name or logo. This prevents the use and promotion of products as “FSC Certified,” unless at every point on the chain, these requirements are met. If even one handler of goods along the chain is not FSC certified, then the end-product is not, either.

The FSC does not actually issue certification itself. Instead, the FSC has accredited certain third party groups to do inspections and issue certification. This allows the FSC to keep its independent status. There are four groups in the US which may issue certification, and the list of requirements is quite specific:

* Documentation of all the suppliers of lumber being certified are
themselves FSC certified.
* On-site inspection in which it is clear that anything FSC
certified is kept distinct from all products that are not, where
the two would not be accidentally mixed up.
* Additional documentation is required that shows any person
handling FSC certified products has been thoroughly trained in FSC
processes and procedures.
* All of the procedures for handling FSC
certified products must be thoroughly documented in the form of a
manual.
* Annual audits are performed to ensure that these
procedures are being consistently followed.

These criteria, though stringent, prevent what is commonly referred to as “greenwashing,” or exaggerated claims of “green” or “eco-friendly” products which are not backed by any evidence. As a sense of responsibility for how we treat the planet has grown, marketing groups have of course caught on and tried to “angle” things to appeal to that audience. FSC Certification prevents this “angling,” by ensuring that nothing can be called “FSC Certified” unless it meets every one of their requirements, and has met those requirements at every step in the journey from raw material to finished product.

So, when you order products from Osborne Wood Products in an FSC Certified wood type, you can know that you are ordering wood that - from the moment it stood in the forest to the moment it is shipped from our facility - has been harvested, milled, and assembled in ways that promote reforestation and responsible forest stewardship, and are generally eco-friendly.

Osborne Wood Products, Inc. is pleased and proud to be able to offer options to our customers; enabling them to choose products with ecological responsibility in mind.

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August 26, 2009

Osborne Requiring GA Work Ready for Applicants

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community — Melody @ 7:41 am

At Osborne Wood Products, we are always looking for ways to get involved with the local community. Whether it is through mentoring in the local school system or helping Boy Scouts with their projects, we make it a priority to be a visible force in the community. Recently, Osborne Wood Products has become aware of a new way to engage the local community, in realizing the importance of the Georgia Work Ready Test.

In 2006, the State of Georgia launched the Georgia Work Ready Program. The State of Georgia began offering the Work Ready Test as a way to certify job seekers, and let potential employers know that GA residents are certified to work. The test is a state-funded skills assessment. It tests four basic areas: reading, applied mathematics, locating information, and skills assessment. It is designed to help unemployment rates drop all across the state, by engaging the local community to rally around those who are either unemployed or looking for a new challenge in the job market; enabling them to accomplish their goals. The test, while lengthy, is not difficult. The test is free, the results are immediate, and – once an individual is certified – the certification lasts for 5 years.

Communities who aggressively implement the Georgia Work Ready test commit to dropping unemployment rates, increasing high school graduation rates, and meeting GA Work Ready Community goals; all for the purpose of increasing economic growth and prosperity.

Companies all across the state are realizing the vast benefits of the Georgia Work Ready Test. These benefits include, but are certainly not limited to, community involvement; great resume enhancer for job seekers; employers can easily see that, regardless of education level, job seekers who are GA Work Ready certified are more prepared. In addition, the GA Work Ready advertises that:

“Companies implementing Work Ready make an investment of their employees’ time to develop strong job profiles. This initial investment can reap great rewards for years to come including:

· Improved hiring procedures

· Reduced turnover

· Reduced training costs

· Increased productivity and profitability

· High employee morale”

After realizing the benefits of the Georgia Work Ready Test, we now require the Georgia Work Ready Test as part of the Osborne Wood Products, Inc. job application process. Any potential employees of Osborne Wood must now bring their Georgia Work Ready Test scores along with their completed application.

As the newest Osborne employee, I can speak from experience about the test. Prior to applying to Osborne Wood Products, I had never heard of Georgia Work Ready. After taking the test, and then doing further research, I am a huge fan of the Georgia Work Ready Test! Georgia Work Ready is an easy and proactive way to say, “I have taken the initiative!” That is something that speaks volumes to employers. I firmly believe that anything an individual can do to better his or herself for the job market should be done. The Georgia Work Ready Test enables individuals to do just that. So, are you Work Ready?

For more information, go to: www.gaworkready.org.

This blog post is a Guest Post by Bethany, a recent Osborne employee. Having recently taken the Georgia Work Ready test prior to her employment here, Bethany has some great perspective on the procedure and its benefits, so we thought it ideal to invite her to share this information with you.

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June 30, 2009

Osborne Implements Drugs Don’t Work Program

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community — Melody @ 7:45 am

This is a press release sent to the local paper in regard to our new membership in the Drugs Don’t Work initiative.

Osborne Wood Products Implements Drugs Don’t Work Program

Toccoa, Georgia

06/19/09 — Osborne Wood Products has implemented a state-certified drug-free workplace program. The company has joined with more than 7,800 certified drug-free workplaces in Georgia in providing a safe, drug-free work environment for employees. On June 19^th, Chuck Wade – the director of the state’s drug free workplace provider, Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia – conducted employee education for the employees of Osborne Wood Products. Employee education is one of the five requirements of state certification. The other requirements are: 1. Substance Abuse Policy, 2. Drug testing of employees, 3. Supervisor training, and; 4. List of treatment and counseling centers in the area. The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce assists companies in achieving certification in Stephens County. State certified drug free workplaces in Georgia receive a state-mandated 7.5% discount on workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

When asked about implementing the program, Osborne Wood CEO Leon Osborne responded, “It is important to us to provide drug prevention information and education to our employees. This is information they can take home and share with their children to help keep them drug and alcohol free. We are proud to be a member of the Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia program.”

Above (L-R) Drugs Don’t Work State Director Chuck Wade, Osborne CEO Leon Osborne, and Executive Assistant to the CEO JR Muretisch with the new Osborne Wood Products Employee Handbook, edited to include information on the Drugs Don’t Work program and the related Substance Abuse Policy.

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June 23, 2009

Scout’s Honor

Filed under: Osborne in the community, Customer Photos — Melody @ 8:35 am

Recently we were privileged to receive pictures from a scout project we were able to help with. Parker, an Eagle Scout in Gilbert, Arizona sent us pictures from his recent project. Parker’s project was to make tables for the Chandler Preparatory Academy’s new drama department. To make these tables, Parker and the boys helping him needed tapered legs. They came to us, and because it was an Eagle Scout project, we were able to give them a discount on the legs they needed.

Parker wrote us a letter, thanking us for the legs. In his letter he described the process they went through in order to make the tables: “Everything went smoothly during my project. We used a drill press to drill holes for attaching [the legs] to the table apron. Once the legs were attached and the rest of the tables and benches were assembled, the legs held the furniture up very sturdily. [The other helpers and I] are very happy with the outcome.”

Here are some pictures of Parker’s project!

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us, Parker! This is beautiful work!

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April 28, 2009

Osborne Participates in Bob Jones U. Job Fair

Filed under: Uncategorized, Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community — Melody @ 8:55 am

Recently, Osborne Wood Products was able to participate in a job fair held at Bob Jones University. Leon Osborne and JR, his executive assistant, traveled to Greenville to attend this event.

For those unfamiliar with the school, Bob Jones University is a Christian university, and has a high reputation with area businesses. Other notable facts about the school include that the Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery is said to hold one of America’s finest collections of Italian paintings.

Twenty to Thirty businesses were present at the job fair, with around 500 students having walked through in all. The event was set up in a large conference hall with the business each represented at their exhibit tables. The atmosphere was business professional, in keeping with the school’s dress code. Booklets were made so the students were aware of all of the job opportunities, with attention being given to jobs specifically geared toward graduates. The participating businesses were also each given the opportunity to post job listings on a free web site the school posted for the students to browse.

From the job-oriented school tours we have done to college and university events such as this, we are always excited about opportunities to be a part of that process in the life of a student; helping to equip them for the transition that begins at graduation.

In the above photo, JR speaks with a student at Osborne’s exhibit table. Products featured on the table from left to right are: 1456 Classic Reeded Island Leg, 4070 Bridle Bun Foot, 8005 Venice Classic Corbel, 8030 Milan Corbel with Acanthus Leaves, and 1301 Colonial Coffee Table Leg.

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December 5, 2008

Osborne Welcomes the Dahlonega Termites and the Athens Area Woodworkers Club!

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community — Melody @ 10:02 am

Yesterday we had the privilege of giving plant tours to two local woodworkers clubs. The Dahlonega Termites and the Athens Area Woodworkers Club paid us a visit, enjoying a luncheon and a tour of the facility.

As a part of the tour, the gentlemen heard a presentation entitled, “The World of CAD,” on CAD Technology and how that impacts us here at Osborne Wood Products. The presentation was given by Haden Smith, our Drafting Engineer. Then they were split into groups and led on a tour through the plant. Nathan Shurtz and Russ Mangiapane (both in the shipping dept) each led a group from our gym (Employee Fitness, LLC) to the warehouse, and then through the offices. In the offices, which is the better part of our new addition, I gave a short presentation on all the ways we incorporated eco-friendly building techniques and products into our building project. Nathan and Russ then led the groups back through the production floor.

The production floor is always the favorite tour spot. People stand mesmerized as they watch a plain square blank become an intricately turned leg. In all the tours we have given, ranging from middle school groups to hobbyist woodworkers, straight on through to professionals; the most consistent factor is how much people enjoy watching something plain become something extraordinary on the production floor of our shop.

Above: The Dahlonega Termites and the Athens Area Woodworkers Club, with Nathan on the left end and Russ on the right.

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November 11, 2008

Bee Smart 2008

Filed under: Daily Life at Osborne, Osborne in the community — Melody @ 7:31 pm

Every year, The Stephens Education and Literacy Foundation (SELF) holds a spelling and trivia bee called the Bee Smart Challenge. Local businesses and schools form teams of spellers, and the money raised goes to support adult literacy programs. In previous years, Osborne Wood Products has sponsored teams, or the whole program. This year, however, we decided to enter a team. That way, we get to support the program, and have the fun of participation.

The team was comprised of Carl (who works in production), Russ (who works in shipping), and myself (in Customer Service). The bee was held on Thursday, November 6, at 7 PM. In addition to the spelling and trivia bee, there were auctions and raffles which also went directly to SELF. All of those involved seemed to really enjoy themselves.

(With a last name like Mangiapane, you have to be good at spelling! This is Russ, getting ready for the big event!)

Above: Carl and Sharon
Below: This is a little blurry, but it is the only picture of the three of us together at the microphone. From left to right: Carl, myself, and Russ:

The lighting on the stage was not really set up for good pictures, but here we are, awaiting the announcement of teams, and the impending “first turn” at the microphone. This time it is me, then Russ, then Carl:

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November 10, 2008

Home-Aid Playhouse with Osborne Legs

Filed under: Osborne in the community, Customer Photos, Weekly Product — Melody @ 10:17 am

While we know that is not the actual spelling for homemade, it is the actual spelling of a charity in Atlanta, which helps to house families that are homeless. Home-Aid Atlanta holds an auction called Project Playhouse in order to support their cause. In Project Playhouse, local builders create playhouses to be auctioned off, and the proceeds go directly to Home-Aid Atlanta, in order to “support Home-Aid Atlanta’s mission of building dignified transitional housing where temporarily homeless children, women, and men in metro Atlanta can rebuild their lives.”

One of our customers, Dan Mattox of Builders II, was so excited about the opportunity to donate his resources to this great cause, that he called us up months ahead of time, to ask us to donate 6 of our 1240 Farm End Table legs for the cause. Since this was for a child-sized house, the 21-inch legs were used as Island Legs.

We are thrilled to see customers of ours supporting their communities in such a way, and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it! Thank you, Dan, for giving back to your community. And thank you for allowing us to serve with you in that.

Below you’ll find pictures of the house that Builders II built, the Three Bears Cottage.

Here is the picture of our 1240 Farm End Table Legs, framing the area where Baby Bear and Goldilocks have their baskets:

Above: Living Room.

Below: Kitchen

Below: Bedroom

And last but most certainly not least, here are the pictures of the lovely plaque they sent us because of our participation, and of Leon holding that plaque in our showroom.

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September 18, 2008

Osborne Partners with Foothills Community Church!

Filed under: Osborne in the community — Melody @ 12:12 pm

The Employee Fitness (LLC) building here at Osborne Wood Products is going to be the new home of a church plant! A South Carolina church is planting a satellite church here in Toccoa! For those unfamiliar with the concept, a satellite church is a church that - instead of just being a new church with a new preacher - still keeps connected with the main church, usually through streaming or recorded media. In this case, the worship will be live, and a “campus pastor” will be there to minister to the direct needs of the congregation, but the sermon will be played on a large screen from a recording.

The church is Foothills Community Church, and though it got its start only 10 years ago, in that time it has grown from a group of about seventy to a congregation of over 2,000 attendees. Pastor Shannon Chiles, who has been on staff with Foothills for about four years in different capacities, will be the Campus Pastor of the Toccoa congregation.

Since several employees here attend Foothills in Seneca, South Carolina, this is an ideal location to host a satellite in. Actually, though, it is the second church to get its start here. Carlos and his wife Olga were a part of a church that was meeting in our break room, back before there was a gymnasium to meet in. Our “gym” used to be a weight room in the manufacturing facility. As employee use of it grew and the need for a larger facility became apparent, Employee Fitness, LLC was born. Containing a full sized gym, a raquet ball court, a weight room, and an aerobics room, it is much larger than its prececessor. The new gym facility was built with two things in mind. First, it is here for the employees to use. The more opportunity we have to keep fit, the healthier and happier we are. Second, it is a great place to host some of the community events we take part in. The woodworkers from CMA who came for our tour started and ended in the gym. The tours we have done for the middle school made much use of the gym. And of course, such a large facility is the perfect location for something like a church plant.
It is an exciting thing to partner with a ministry, right as it is getting its start. We are very glad to be able to invest ourselves (and our facility) in something like this!

Here are some pictures of the crew from Foothills setting up the gym for their services. You’ll see some help from Osborne in there, too!

Above: Pastor Shannon and crew getting started

Farthest to the right, here, we have Jonathan Osborne. He’s helping unload the curtain “walls,” which you will see later all set up.

Coffee break already, gentleman? You should recognize Carl, on the right, from pictures of tours and such in the past. Carl works on a lathe.

These are the walls I mentioned above. Here, Leon is in a conversation with a member of the foothills crew.

Children play as adults continue more of the setup

Pastor Shannon stands on the stage as the set up crew sits in the congregation.

Well, that’s all I have for pictures. Services start September 28 at 9:30 and 11!

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September 18, 2009

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August 26, 2009

June 30, 2009

June 23, 2009

April 28, 2009

December 5, 2008

November 11, 2008

November 10, 2008

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