Manufacturing/Distribution: Hallmark Cards., 101 McDonald Drive

Hallmark Cards production center celebrated its 50th anniversary in Lawrence in 2007, and it did so by taking a close look at production processes.

“In general, they’ve done things like ask, ‘Can we rethink how we organize work and schedule the work?'” said Linda Odell, spokeswoman for Hallmark at its headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.

The production center at 101 McDonald Drive was chosen as the pilot plant for Hallmark to enact what was known as a new LEAN manufacturing philosophy.

“If you move things (equipment) around, can things be done more speedily?” Odell said, in describing some of the processes that were tested. “Can you get things next to each other so more people can operate two pieces of equipment?”

The results were so promising that some of those processes were passed on to other Hallmark locations.

The center’s efforts led it to be selected as a recipient of the Excellence in Commerce Awards sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Hallmark was recognized in the manufacturing and distribution category. The chamber awards were announced in October.

Hallmark has been a staple in the Lawrence community since it opened in 1958, noted Beth Johnson, the chamber’s vice president for economic development.

“Their commitment to the community goes beyond being a great employer to being a great community citizens through donations and resources provided to various nonprofit organizations,” Johnson said.

The changes, while improving efficiency, did not result in a reduction of jobs. The production center has about 800 employees. In fact, the center increased its number of employees last year when one of two Hallmark plants in Leavenworth was closed. About 150 jobs and some equipment were transferred to Lawrence.

The 650,000 square-foot center produces about 40 percent of Hallmark’s cards, including most of the company’s Shoebox line. The plant makes ribbons, bows, stickers, invitations and thank-you cards. In 2007 Hallmark outsourced less than 1 percent of its ribbon production out of Lawrence so that employees could handle other business.

During the years President George W. Bush has been in the White House, the Lawrence center has produced the annual White House holiday card.

Hallmark as a whole has 16,000 employees worldwide and sells cards and other products through more than 43,000 outlets in the United States.