Waterax manufactures products for wildland firefighters. Specifically, it develops portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment that are purpose-built to stand up to demanding environments. Established in 1898, Waterax has offices in Montreal and Vancouver, and it was its Montreal’s facility that was recently faced with the challenge of integrating 5S methods in its building practices.

1. C A S E S T U D Y
HOW THE INTEGRATION OF 5S
IMPROVED PRODUCTION
ORGANIZATION AT WATERAX
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2. Waterax manufactures portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment that are
purpose-built to stand up to demanding environments.
Established in 1898, Waterax has offices in Montreal and Vancouver, and it was its
Montreal’s facility that was recently faced with the challenge of integrating 5S
methods in its building practices.
Read on to learn how the modular system improved the facility’s ergonomics all
the while saving money in manufacturing practices.
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REMI BOQUIEN
CASE STUDY BY
PROJECT MANAGER
NORTH SHORE OF QUEBEC AND CITY OF MONTREAL

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MOREERGONOMICS

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MOREPRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

5. In 2012, Waterax’s Montreal facility was planning on implementing a new floor layout
due to an impending move. Following some lean manufacturing training sessions,
the company realized that a new material handling system would make
implementing the new floor layout much more straightforward.
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UPGRADE THE FACILITY TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY
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6. This conveyor was designed and
built by the production engineer.
The primary objective was to
reduce the risk of employees
getting hurt, but it also regulated
the production rhythm.
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IMPROVING
ERGONOMICS AND
OPTIMIZING
PRODUCTION WITH
MODULAR EQUIPMENT
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7. This workstation was custom-built by Waterax employees. This station is where
performance tests are carried out. The previous model was too low and was a
constant source of potential injuries to workers.
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CUSTOM-MADE AND ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
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8. Ultimately, Waterax realized that the
modular structures had significantly
contributed to having all items
organized in a neater fashion on the
production floor.
As the modular system was the
cornerstone of this transformation,
Waterax intends to continue improving
every aspect of its manufacturing
process.
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NEATLY ORGANIZED
FOR MORE EFFICIENT
PRODUCTION
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9. Both the facility’ ergonomics and organization have been significantly improved, in
addition to regulating production flow. It’s safe to say that the modular system
provides invaluable support Waterax with regards to manufacturing its water pumps!
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WHERE FUNCTIONALITY GOES HAND IN HAND
WITH EFFICIENCY
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BEFORE AFTER

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REMI BOQUIEN
CASE STUDY BY
PROJECT MANAGER
NORTH SHORE OF QUEBEC AND CITY OF MONTREAL
M A K E I T W O R K F O R Y O U
NOW, IMAGINE WHAT
THE FLEXPIPE MODULAR SYSTEM
CAN DO FOR YOU!

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S E E Y O U O N F L E X P I P E I N C . C O M