Keihin Gives Students Real World Experience

Keihin Aircon North America Inc. in Muncie is a subsidiary of Anderson-based Keihin North America Inc.

Students from Purdue Polytechnic Anderson are working with Keihin Aircon North America Inc. in Muncie as part of the school’s curriculum encouraging real world experience. The engineering technology students are working with employees to better learn and apply problem-solving techniques.

The program is part of the school’s Lean/Six Sigma class. The students meet twice a week with Keihin employees to find improvements to the company’s sub assembly operations. 

"The students are learning more about high volume manufacturing, data gathering and analysis, relationship building with peers and presentation skills," said Gerry Pall, continuing lecturer for industrial engineering technology at Purdue Polytechnic Anderson. "Our partnership with Keihin brings our class to life. One of our goals is to help find enough cost savings that we can help give the Keihin Muncie plant a competitive edge."

KAC Plant Manager Kevan Mulherin calls the partnership outstanding.

"It has been a pleasure for KAC associates to work with the Purdue Polytechnic staff and students counter-measuring manufacturing problems at the spot on the shop floor," said Mulherin. "They have respected Keihin’s philosophy and demonstrated respect for our associates. This collaborative, value-add activity truly captures the essence of Keihin’s fundamental beliefs and guiding policies.  We are very grateful for the efforts and support of the Purdue Polytechnic staff and students."

Purdue says the students will present their findings and recommendations to the company, Purdue faculty and select Delaware County manufacturers April 21.