MESA, AZ — Kinetics Southwest captured the E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation, announced the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) at its sixth annual Awards of Excellence program, held recently at MCAA’s 113th annual convention at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, FL.

The E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation is given annually to an MCAA member company whose innovation will improve productivity, achieve cost-effectiveness, or otherwise improve the mechanical contracting industry.

The Mesa, AZ, contractor won the award for its innovative program called “The Five S’s.” By adapting a manufacturing philosophy first developed in Japan and then used by American manufacturers, Kinetics Southwest engaged the interest of employees and brought quick results in reducing wasted time spent looking for tools, materials, and information. The Five S’s are sorting, simplifying, sweeping, standardizing, and self-discipline.

This year’s volume of high-quality entries led the Management Methods Committee to name two finalists in addition to the winner. Midwest Mechanical Contractors of New Jersey received a certificate for its innovative safety program. Meanwhile, the Brewer-Garrett Company received a certificate for its electronic bar-code system for hvac preventive maintenance and repairs.

Publication date: 03/04/2002