Fuel For Thought October 2015

OCTOBER 2015
VOL. 1 ISSUE 2
A MOELLER MARINE PRODUCTS NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Jakes Day. ...................................... 1
Diurnal ........................................... 1
IBEX ............................................... 3
Moeller Family Picnic ..................... 4
Field Trip to Boat Builders .............. 6
Corporate Corner ........................... 7
Ask Customer Service ................... 8
Safety ............................................ 8
Mustard Seed Ranch,
Jakes Day 2015
By Mike L. (Safety Coordinator)
Every year, Moeller tries to find a way
to give back to our local community.
2015 is the 25th year of Moeller in
Sparta, so this year we decided to
form a committee of employees
who volunteered to come up with
ideas on how we could celebrate our
silver anniversary. Our committee,
known as TEAM 25, was tasked
with selecting local charities that
we could support. These charities
needed to be something that helped
our local community. The committee
chose Mustard Seed Ranch to be the
leading recipient for 2015.
The Mustard Seed Ranch (MSR) is
a Christian ministry serving children
who have been neglected, abused,
continued on page 2
Landon, Bill, and Dustin share the excitement over the new Moeller diurnal components.
Introducing …
Moeller Fluid Level Vent and Grade Valves
By Landon T (Fuel Tank Test) & Dustin H (Fuel Tank Oven) with Holly H (Marketing)
Moeller Marine is the largest
rotational molder in the
marine industry and among
the 20 largest across all
industries nationwide. We
value our reputation as much
as we honor our consumers
and team members, and
maintain our leading edge in
the marine industry through
quality, innovation, and
comprehensive knowledge.
In 2011, the EPA launched a series
of regulations to control hydrocarbon
emissions from marine fuel systems. In
addition to anti-spitback, automatic fuel
shutoff, and the installation of tethered fuel
caps, requirements specify integrated fuel
systems with low permeation fuel tanks
and fugitive emission controls. In response
to the 2011 permeation requirements,
Moeller developed the Barrier Tank. At the
same time, several companies designed
new valves, carbon canisters, and related
hardware to meet the evaporative
emissions regulations.
Since the implementation of the
regulations, Moeller has worked closely
with boatbuilders to
develop the most cost
effective system for
every vessel. This may
include selecting the best
hardware supplier for the
tank, reviewing the TIP
study and recommending
ways to eliminate a
costly valve, or designing
a hybrid system using
components from
several manufacturers.
While the industry knows that
performance, safety, and regulatory
compliance are top priorities at Moeller,
our partners understand that we deliver
value as well. Over the years, we have
refined our barrier tank (by adding internal
venting, for example) and have maintained
our commitment to controlling fuel system
costs. About two years ago, Moeller made
the strategic decision to produce our own
diurnal components to reduce fuel system
costs even more. There are two phases to
the project: introduction of the grade valves
and fluid level vent valves at IBEX 2015 in
continued on page 3
Fuel for Thought is published three times per year. It is produced by employees for employees. Do you
have an idea for a story or photo? Let us know! See page 8 to learn how.
1

FUEL FOR THOUGHT
Morning shift volunteers at The Mustard Seed Ranch during Jakes Day
continued from page 1
orphaned or are in need of a loving family
environment. MSR was started in 2006 as
a vision of a Cookeville TN couple to help
struggling children in TN. With the help of
many volunteers and donations from local
companies, they were able to accept their
first children into the home in 2009.
The Mustard Seed Ranch holds numerous
fund raisers throughout the year to keep
the ranch growing to help as many children
as they can. Their largest fund raiser is
Jakes Day. This is the 5th year MSR has
held a Jakes Day. Jakes Day is sponsored
by the Upper Cumberland chapter of the
NWTF. On Jakes Day, everyone is invited
to come see the ranch and enjoy free
food and games. Children are introduced
to many things they might not get to
experience outside of Jakes Day.
Moeller’s 25yr committee gave such a
strong response to helping MSR, that
Moeller decided to donate $500 to the
ranch, and had 67 volunteers show up
to help work the events at Jakes Day.
According to the MSR director, this is the
most volunteers they have had in all 5
years they have held a Jakes Day. Not only
were there more volunteers than ever, but
even with it raining most of the day, there
were still 679 children that attended. This
does not count parents in attendance. This
was the largest Jakes Day held at MSR!
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OCTOBER 2015
Diurnal Components Cont.
continued from page 1
September (with production by the end of
October), and launch of the direct fill early
next year.
The fluid level vent valve regulates and
limits the fill function to prevent spitback.
The grade valve enables venting at
any angle up to 17º. Like most projects,
engineering design starts with an idea,
but it takes plenty of work to get to the
end product!
Product Engineer Bill Brackney initially
looked to automotive parts makers for
ready-made components. “All the EPAcompliant
fuel system innovations you
see in the marine industry have already
been done in the automotive industry.”
The first supplier contacted did not
work out. Next, Bill decided to design
everything from scratch. It was supposed
to be a simple project. But, as with so
many things, “On paper it looked good,
but getting it to work was something
else.” Finally, Bill joined forces with
Eaton, a manufacturer of components
for the automotive industry, to modify
existing parts. Success! Both valves were
introduced at IBEX in September where
they were enthusiastically received by
customers and reps alike.
Moeller President Gary Eich is excited
about the new diurnal components.
“As the industry has changed from the
single layer tank of 2010 to the multilayer
complex tank and emissions control
system of 2015, Moeller has set the
pace. We review customer designs,
and recommend the best valves and
hardware for each specific requirement.
We are a complete integrated system
provider.”
Offering new component options is just
part of Moeller’s ongoing commitment
to value. We recently hired a full-time
engineer to perform all TIP studies
in-house, another benefit which met
with the overwhelming approval of the
IBEX crowd. Gary sums up the new
direction by saying, “Our new valves and
direct fill offer excellent performance
for less money than other component
manufacturers. The development of
Moeller components is the next logical
step in cementing our position as leaders
in fuel tank integration.”
The IBEX Adventure
By Sunshyne M. (Finance)
With all the office talk surrounding IBEX, I
was pretty excited to have the opportunity
to go and see what the show was all
about. IBEX, the International Boatbuilders
Exhibition, was held in Louisville, Kentucky at
the Kentucky Exposition Center Sept. 15-18.
Sherry Spivey, Renee’ Emery, and I loaded
up and made the drive to Louisville for an
overnight stay that provided us with some
fantastic insight as to how Moeller fits in the
big picture of the marine and boat building
industries.
Hundreds of booths filled the expo center
showcasing everything from screws and
motors to…well…boats! I took advantage
of the opportunity to speak with as many
people as I could and learn about plastics,
hull construction, supplier networks, and so
much more. It was interesting to see how
manufacturing representatives and other
suppliers represent Moeller and to better
understand the distribution channels for
our products. We also enjoyed seeing what
other production-related materials are used
in the industry. Shrinkwrap, industrial tools,
and even cleaning supplies were featured at
various displays. Many vendors scanned our
badges with promises of catalog delivery and
filled our bags with brochures, samples, and
business cards.
Meanwhile, back at the Moeller booth, our
sales guys, engineers, and aftermarket crew
were all dressed in blue shaking hands and
making connections that will strengthen
current relationships and provide future
opportunities to forge new ones. Our newly
launched diurnal components garnered a
great deal of attention. I especially enjoyed
spending some time with Bill to learn more
about how these parts work, and how
Moeller will benefit from making these new
pieces. Moeller received quite a bit of media
attention, and Gary was even interviewed for
the International Boating Industry magazine
for an article on “the future of the boating
industry.”
I really appreciate having had the opportunity
to go to IBEX. It was a wonderfully engaging
experience to be able to network with
others at the show and spend meaningful
time with my coworkers. What a fantastic
way to expand my horizons and broaden
my perspective of how Moeller fits into the
boatbuilding industry. It is exciting to belong
to such a well-known and highly regarded
organization that is the best at what we do:
Sherry S. And Sunshyne M. check out the latest in 3D printing at IBEX. The CI Booth featured one
of the best videos at the show—filmed entirely with a GoPro!
FUELING THE FUN!
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FUEL FOR THOUGHT
Our Day in the Field
By Amber R. (Linear Assembly)
There are new and exciting things
happening on the Moeller Home Front
for employees! We have kicked off an
employee education program to help us
keep up quality consciousness and to give
employees a better understanding of how
our end products help our customers
build boats.
On August 19, seven of us--Derek (Fuel
Tank Oven), Tasha (Fuel Tank Test), Justine
(Fuel Tank Assembly), Jenny (Linear
Oven), Dan (Engineering), Amber (Linear
Assembly) and Scott (Sales)--had the
privilege to take a tour of two customer
factories. I think I speak for the entire
group when I say that it was educational
and lots of fun. We learned a lot. We even
discovered several new quality strategies
which would work very well right here
at Moeller!
Over the course of the day we talked
a lot about accountability. One of the
facilities we visited has a very transparent
accountability system, because they have
boards for each department that clearly
show in red or green if each employee
has met their daily production goals.
At the same plant, employees are held
accountable by a three warning rule; if an
employee gets three warnings they can be
demoted a job step. We had plenty to say,
too! We got to explain why we initial the
tanks, and they were very impressed by
this accountability method.
GO TEAM MOELLER!
At the Moeller plant, our entire production
team is the last line of defense against a
faulty tank. Our reputation is a very big
deal to our customers. Staff at one of the
factories we visited do not do another
inspection of our tanks at their facility. The
only other test they perform is the lake
test. They know that our attention to detail
is paramount.
We have reason to be proud—our
reputation in the industry is stellar. We
have won the Supplier of the Year Award
from a leading boat manufacturer, and
are a finalist in several other supplier
award competitions. We are a top pick
and a leader for today’s luxury and high
performance water sport boatbuilders.
Quality is key, and is one of the reasons we
are at the top of our game.
Now that we have climbed to the top of
our game here at Moeller it is important
that we continue to stand out and “make
waves” in the industry. What counts is
continued innovation and improvement,
and keeping our eyes on the ball when it
comes to quality.
It’s a wonderful idea for members of our
team to see first-hand how much trust is
put in our team here at Moeller, and to
experience the gratitude and appreciation
of our hard work, as freely expressed by
our customers. I for one am proud and it
renewed my enthusiasm for making sure
I do my best and take even more pride in
what I do each day. So thank you, Moeller,
for adding a new and exciting employee
education program. Despite our success,
we always have room to grow and nothing
can stop us when we have the right
attitude and motivation.
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FUEL FOR THOUGHT
Here’s What People are Saying about the
2015 Family Picnic
By Carol D. (Fuel Tank Assembly)
Moeller sponsored the 2015 picnic to show appreciation for employees and their families.
Everybody was excited about the picnic, games, and treating their families to a fun
afternoon. We got to spend more time with our co-workers and their families than at any
other event, ever. TEAM 25 spent a lot of time putting it together for everybody—there
was something for everyone! The food was really good and HOME was a great movie for
all ages. Even the drive-in workers enjoyed themselves and were impressed that Moeller
would sponsor such a great event for employees!
4

OCTOBER 2015
Fueling the Fun!
5

OCTOBER 2015
Corporate Corner
The Moore Company 2015 Goals and Objectives
By Monica C. (Moore Company HR)
Flying Colors
By Holly H. (Marketing)
That describes how we passed our first ISO
surveillance audit!
In this issue, I’d like to introduce to you
The Moore Company’s areas of focus
for 2015. These goals and objectives are
communicated at the beginning of the
year, and each Leadership member creates
professional goals that support these
corporate directives. This type of trickle
down communication allows all team
members to share the same vision and
understand clearly WHY we are doing what
we’re doing. Everyone is on the same
page! That type of synergy drives positive
results within all of our divisions.
1. SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF
OUR EMPLOYEES
Formalized programs have been
establishd but we must still incorporate
safety awareness into our culture so
that we can continue to improve in
2015. The safety of our employees and
our assets is critical for the longevity
of the business. Our many wellness
programs are aimed at improving
the overall health and well-being of
our employees. We encourage you
to promote and participate in these
initiatives because healthier employees
are more productive, and if the overall
health and well-being of our employees
improve, the cost of providing health
insurance should become more
manageable.
2. REVENUE MAINTENANCE /
GROWTH
Throughout the Strategic Planning
Process we identify opportunities to
improve our results. In 2015, we will
continue to explore new markets,
products, and product enhancements
that could result in increased revenue
and profitability.
3. COST CONTAINMENT
We will always be challenged to reduce
costs while maintaining first quality
products that our customers demand.
In 2015, emphasis on other cost
reduction opportunities must continue
to be explored. Ongoing review of our
internal practices needs to be done to
assure they bring value; if not, change is
in order.
4. IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY
WITHOUT COMPROMISING
QUALITY
5. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
6. SALES/MARKETING
In the next issue, I will expand on
the last three goals. For now, do your
best to incorporate these Goals and
Objectives into your daily work and
enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you
have “fueled” the Company’s success
in some way.
At the ISO closing meeting on September
24, our DQS auditor congratulated the
entire Moeller Team on our outstanding
management systems. As a company
which achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification
just last year, we might reasonably expect
growing pains and plenty of opportunities for
improvement. Instead, we had ZERO nonconformances.
“We all deserve congratulations! This is
another great success for the Moeller
Team,” commented Gary Eich, who was very
pleased with the auditor’s report.
When asked how we could possibly improve
for our next re-certification, Quality Manager
Joe Clerger quipped, “I’m not sure. I guess
we’ll have to get a negative score for nonconformance
somehow! Seriously, Chris
(the auditor) identified a few opportunities
for improvement, and we will concentrate on
them.”
It’s easy to be light-hearted about ISO
certification when we have plenty of reasons
to be proud. But being ISO-registered is
no laughing matter. In a service-oriented
business like ours, the certification sends an
important message to our customers and
end users: that Moeller Products are safe,
reliable, and of good quality. Gary sums it
up: “The certification—and re-certification--
process involved every operation and process
throughout the company, and I’m proud of
everyone for helping to make it happen.”
Monica traveled from RI to help out with face painting on Jake’s Day.
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FUEL FOR THOUGHT
Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers
This column features real-life conversations with tech service
Q I need a custom tank. I have seen the
tanks on your website, but none fit my
dimensions.
A Moeller is the marine industry’s premier
custom tank manufacturer; each year, we
produce hundreds of custom crosslinked
polyethylene tanks. However, the custom
tank option is more suited to a boat
manufacturer who is producing dozens
(or more) boats with the same fuel tank
footprint. It is usually cost prohibitive if
you are looking for a single tank.
Another inexpensive option is aluminum;
it’s perfect for boaters who require
customization. Moeller aluminum tanks
are manufactured from corrosionresistant
5052 aluminum and may be
coated for even greater protection from
seawater and industrial contaminants.
We Want to
Hear from You!
Send us your ideas! First shift,
see Carol D. in Assembly. Second
shift, talk to Dustin H. Or send
an email to Hana N. at hnash@
moellermarine.com.
The ALL-NEW 2016
Catalog is Here!
In order to create a custom tank, we first
develop tooling. This entails engineering,
design, drafting, and fabricating the
aluminum mold. This process typically
results in a cost which is greater than
an off-the-shelf replacement tank, and
that’s just the tooling! You would still incur
the labor and materials cost to actually
produce the tank.
We carry several tanks that are listed
on the OEM (For the Builder) section of
our website. If you locate a tank that is
suitable for your application, note that tank
number and contact your local marine
retailer to order.
Heather W., Moeller Marine Service Expert
If you haven’t seen it yet, you
should!
Stop by the marketing office to
find out what all the fuss is about.
Off to a Healthy Start:
Moeller Safety Solutions
By Mike L. (Safety Coordinator)
At the end of the 2nd quarter, Moeller managers
and the Safety Coordinator started discussing
a new safety program. This program was
based on programs used at other facilities
like GM and Meritor, Inc. The idea behind the program was to get
employees involved with making decisions to benefit their safety.
GM’s program rewards employees for contributing ideas to improve
safety of their cars, while Meritor requires their employees to
provide continuous improvement ideas for their employee review.
We felt a compromise between the two would be to offer employees
a chance at a contest. For every problem, there is a solution. For
each viable solution to a safety issue identified and submitted by an
employee, we enter his or her name into a drawing for a gift card.
Each employee can win two gift cards a year, and at the end of
the year, we will enter all winning names into a drawing for a large
prize. We will determine this prize later, depending on how many
participated in the program.
Within the first week, we had four solutions turned
in. By the end of the quarter, we had 10 entries!
The safety team reviews each solution at the
safety team meeting immediately following the
submission date. Each solution is graded on how
big an impact it will make on safety, how fast it
will be to implement, and how much it will cost
to implement. Based on these categories, each
solution receives a rating. If there is not a viable
way to implement the solution at the time it’s submitted, the team
places it on hold to work on later. If the team feels the solution can
be implemented quickly, makes a significant impact on safety, and is
cost effective, the submitter’s name is entered into the drawing.
At the 3rd quarter communication meeting, the winners were
announced. Out of 10 entries, six submitters were awarded a $25
gift card. Of the remaining four solutions submitted, two were held
to work on later due to size and cost of project. The Safety Team
decided that two of the solutions were not viable.
We are always looking for new solutions. Turn in your idea to your
supervisor today!
In the next issue, read more about news and events at Moeller!
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To submit articles or ideas for an upcoming issue of Fuel for Thought, email hnash@moellermarine.com.