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San-Kawa
Albermarle, NC
"The SBTDC worked with me like a board of directors and heads of departments that San-Kawa doesn't have. They are like an extension of the business, and that's comforting."
Six years ago, June Mabry began researching recycled and
reclaimed glass suitability for use in glass art. A creative
innovator and glass art lover, she developed a business plan
in 2008 for San-Kawa, a glass recycler and manufacturer of
post-consumer glass products and materials. She worked with
local organizations like STARworks Glass Studio to continue her
recycled glass art research.
June initially came to the SBTDC seeking assistance with process flow, cost analysis and marketing ideas as she soon realized that her facility size was impairing her expansion goals. SBTDC business counselor Stu Bantit of the UNC-Charlotte office worked with June to develop and review costing and production of glass product. The SBTDC’s Strategy and Organization Development team assisted with recommendations for improvements to the manufacturing process using lean techniques. Through the process, June also shifted some strategies to include a small glass blowing studio in the plant for the local community and the art glass market. Stu and business counselor Lewis Deaton co-counseled June on sales and marketing strategies. The new glass blowing studio will not only introduce glass art students to the use of recycled glass, but also to environmentally friendly practices.
Thanks to the SBTDC’s guidance, San-Kawa soon saw significant
improvements. Two jobs were created with the help of NC
Workforce Development grants. Operations and productivity improved due to changes in work flow and processes in the
facility. In addition, a glass blowing furnace is being installed
in advance of the studio opening while a new partnership is
being developed with a high-quality local granite countertop
manufacturer who will use San-Kawa’s recycled glass product.
Stu and June are also working to get the company LEED-certified,
which would formally recognize San-Kawa as a
proponent of “green” business practices.
June wants to make sure that she leaves a legacy behind for her staff that she considers family. She believes people who work together and enjoy what they do can and should contribute to the future success of the business. “We have an idea wall where we post ideas and discuss once per week. It’s important that everyone is invested in the business.” San-Kawa, in essence, means “three rivers coming together.” So it’s only natural that June would do her best to create a smooth-running business with the use of excellent resources.
“The SBTDC worked with me like a board of directors and heads of departments that San-Kawa doesn’t have. They are like an extension of the business, and that’s comforting,” June says.
Story originally featured in the SBTDC's 2009-2010 Annual Report.