11/20/2024

Posted By: DreamingCode Admin

OCE's Commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation

Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) is a self-sustaining organization funded entirely through the sales of its high-quality products and services, without relying on taxpayer dollars. For nearly 25 years, we've upheld a commitment to innovation and efficiency, creating value for our customers and the community alike.

This culture of excellence extends to our Metal Shop at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP), where we maximize material utilization to support our mission of sustainability and skill-building. One of our longest-standing partnerships is with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Together, we manage the quality, cost, and delivery of essential services to Oregonians.

Achieving High Material Utilization Rates at the OCE Metal Shop

At OCE's Metal Shop, we're proud to set the standard in efficiency and sustainability by maximizing the use of every piece of raw material that enters our shop. Our team's recent work on the ODOT Dump Bed project showcases the impact of precise planning, advanced technology, and a commitment to minimizing waste.

High Utilization Rates through Strategic Nesting

For the ODOT Dump Bed project, our team utilized CNC Plasma ProNest software to create highly efficient nesting patterns, which allow us to maximize the number of parts produced from each sheet of metal. Our latest report highlights impressive material utilization rates:

• 10-gauge sheet steel: 93.98% utilization
• 3/16" plate steel: 95.48% utilization
• 1/4" plate steel: 91.42% utilization

On average, this project achieved a material utilization rate of 94.47%, an efficiency that minimizes waste and reduces overall costs.

Repurposing Scrap for Training and Future Use

OCE's dedication to sustainability doesn't stop with high utilization rates. Leftover scrap from the cutting process is carefully sorted and repurposed in several meaningful ways:

1. Inventory Parts: Usable pieces of scrap are added to inventory for future projects, helping reduce costs and reinvesting in our programs.
2. Training Tools: Scrap pieces serve as practice materials for adults in custody (AICs), providing hands-on training in welding, bending, and forming—essential skills that help build a skilled, job-ready workforce.
3. Customer Benefits: Ultimately, these practices lead to high-quality products for our customers, while supporting the professional growth of our AIC team members.

A Closed-Loop System: Recycling and Beyond

Even after achieving a 94% utilization rate, our Metal Shop ensures that any remaining material doesn't go to waste. Final scraps are sent to our OCE Machine Shop, The FORGE, for additional repurposing, where they're used for similar training and inventory needs. Whatever remains after this process is fully recycled, closing the loop on material use in a sustainable and responsible way.

Through these efforts, OCE's Metal Shop exemplifies our mission to provide valuable work opportunities while supporting a sustainable, eco-friendly business model. We're proud of the significant strides we're making in material utilization and excited to continue innovating to reduce waste and create quality products.