Mesa Brasileira: Introduces Distinctive Semi Precious Stone Inlay Tables At High Point Show

Furniture World Magazine

Mesa Brasileira, makers of distinctive Brazilian tables, statues and wall hangings, is bringing its one of a kind products to markets throughout the United States and applying a business model unique in the furniture industry to do it. in order to assure customer satisfaction and quality standard maintenance, Mesa Brasileira is implementing a Six Sigma Methodology employed by Fortune 100 companies such as General Electric, Motorola and Ford Motor Company. Mesa Brasileira will be showcasing its products for the first time at the High Point, NC International Home Furnishing Markets in October 2004, Historic Market Square Ground, MS G6. "Our tables and wall hangings are handmade in Salvador, Brazil and represent the highest standard of craftsmanship," says owner Christopher Figueira, "And now we are using a methodology that allows us to combine the artistic formation of natural stone mosaic tables with a flexible manufacturing method utilizing Six Sigma principals as its foundation." Mesa Brasileira's products are made from"semli precious stones gathered from a quarry, sliced and broken by hand and crafted to create functional artwork. Each piece is made under the supervision of master artists and no two pieces are exactly the same. The company also produces custom pieces designed to meet individual needs of customers. Quality and durability are the company's trademarks. "The craftsman in our organization are superb and we didn't want to do anything to interfere with the artistry in their work," says Figueira, "but we wanted to implement standards and processes that would help us lower costs and guarantee each piece was of superior quality. The Six Sigma philosophy has helped us achieve those goals." The Six Sigma philosophy systematically improves processes and sustains those improvements using data and statistical tools. The process is project focused and includes flve phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. The process was used by the Mesa Brasileira team in two projects titled "Maximizing Stone Saw Blade Life" and "Minimizing Variance in Table Top Flatness" with positive results. "Changing any company culture is difficult," explains Figueira, "particularly when dealing with artisans like those on the Mesa Brasileira team. Applying manufacturing processes to artists is challenging and it needs to be accomplished with certain finesse. We did this at Mesa Brasileira by starting small with a couple projects that demonstrated the value of the philosophy. Once the team saw that the process didn't require them to be statisticians or engineers and allowed them to reduce waste and rework, making their jobs easier and helping them meet production and quality targets, they were enthusiastic about implementing the philosophy in other areas." The Maximizing Stone Saw Blade Life project increased the useful life of a saw blade by 22%, reduced scrap stones that occurred from cutting with a dull blade and reduced the amount of sanding required in the finishing process by 16%. The Minimizing Variance in Table Top Flatness project flowed the Six Sigma phases and led to the development of a specification for matching different stones hardness, reducing the variability in flatness that occurred after sanding and polishing. The implemented change had no costs associated with it, just required a process change and eliminated rework previously required to meet flatness specifications. The implementation of Six Sigma procedures at Mesa Brasileira demonstrates the value of applying strategic processes to the furniture industry. "We believe that through the use of Six Sigma in a push toward continuous improvement, we can continue to offer our customers a very unique product at an exceptional value," says Figueira. Mesa Brasileira was founded in May 2000, with a factory location in Salvador, Brazil and headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The company manufactures high end stone mosaic dining, kitchen, coffee, end and accent tables, as well as stone statues and wall hangings. For more information, visit http://www.mesabrasil.com or call 757 348 9673.