Sable Systems International

The Client

Sable Systems International empowers scientists to explore the complexities of animal and human metabolism with unmatched precision. The North Las Vegas Company is renowned for designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art systems for metabolic and behavioral measurement and gas analysis. Sable is the trusted partner for Life Science Researchers worldwide in studies scaling from fruit fly management to crop preservation, studies of marine mammals, to full-scale human preclinical trials investigating therapies for diabetes and obesity.

At the heart of Sable's mission is a singular purpose: To catalyze discovery and understanding. The company's steadfast commitment to quality ensures Scientists are confident they have acquired the most accurate data possible relevant to the public good.

The Challenge

Driven by the pursuit of precision, Sable Systems creates highly customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of boundary-pushing Metabolic Researchers. But, with such a broad and intricate product offering comes a manufacturing process that must be equally responsive and precise.

Sable recognized a challenge: How the elevate their operational infrastructure to match the exceptional quality of their products. The company aimed to embed a culture of excellence throughout its facility, transforming not only the environment, but also the mindset of every Team Member by instilling one of their Core Values, "Transcend the Imperfect," into the organization.

The Solution and Manufacture Nevada's Role

To meet the challenge, Sable collaborated with Manufacture Nevada, a trusted partner for over 20 years, to achieve sustainable success. Realizing that lasting change begins from within, Sable invested in internal capability-building by selecting Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training as the cornerstone of their improvement journey.

Manufacture Nevada played a pivotal role in delivering training for six Sable leaders. These leaders participated in an intensive five-day program designed not just to teach theory, but to equip them with the practical tools and confidence needed to lead transformational change.

Soon after, these newly minted Green Belts launched a series of nine company-wide Kaizen 5S events in 2025, applying the principles of Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. These focused hands-on events spanned all core departments, ensuring every area of the organization was aligned in the pursuit of operational excellence.

Results: Building a Culture of Quality-One Department at a Time

The results of the Green Belts' efforts were both immediate and measurable:

• Research & Product Development: 80% reduction in items kept on hand and a 50% decrease in time spent locating tools.
• Sales & Marketing: 75% fewer clicks needed to locate digital materials and a 75% reduction in time required to set up and break down the marketing booth-now a one-hour task for one person.
• Material Control: 50% of obsolete items removed, with resources reallocated to enhance incoming inspection based on time studies.
• Order Fulfillment: 61% reduction in movement waste and an immediate gain of 30 square feet of critical shipping space.
• Production: 35% increase in space and a 20% reduction in unnecessary movement. Standardized workstations were enhanced using shadow boards and clear labeling.
• Quality Control: 65% reduction in movement waste (eliminating 400 feet of walking per task) and a 50% increase in available shared drive storage.
• Customer Support: Streamlined digital systems, reducing document clutter and reclaiming 30% of data storage. Created a Sable Museum in the facility entryway to share original designs dating back to the mid 1980's with visitors to the facility, while freeing up some valuable active storage space.
• Admin & Finance: Clutter & non-essential paperwork was reduced by 90% and document storage on the Shared Drives was reduced by archiving while increasing efficiency by 45%.
• These improvements reflect a company-wide transformation rooted in Lean principles. By reducing waste and improving workflows, Sable has not only enhanced productivity; it has created a stronger foundation for innovation and continued scientific discovery.

Sable Systems' Testimonials on Manufacture Nevada's Impact

The impact of the initiative extended far beyond operational metrics-it ignited a cultural shift toward leadership, ownership, and pride:

• "The Green Belt training gave me the tools and confidence to approach 5S in a structured way. It helped me see not only how to organize and improve space, but also how to involve the team, so the changes stick. It's helped us work more efficiently and take real ownership of our improvements." — Justin Vallejo, Production Improvement Engineer
• "Being a Green Belt has been awesome. Running a 5S without this training would have been overwhelming. The class prepared us to be leaders. Team Members were energized and engaged during every event and that enthusiasm came directly from the confidence and tools the training gave us." — Evan Sedoti, Production Supervisor
• "The Green Belt training helped me streamline processes and identify where cleanup and efficiency could happen. In Order Fulfillment, we gained space to store short-term pallets while continuing to package other shipments — something we couldn't do before." — Sarah Asp, Import/Export and Order Fulfillment Manager
• "I've led two 5S Kaizen events since becoming Green Belt certified, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited about their new, streamlined workspaces, and we've removed years of accumulated clutter." — Jeff Howe, Quality Manager
• "The 5S helped Order Fulfillment by streamlining our working area. We've found space, we're more efficient, and the Green Belt training helped me see how to sustain these improvements long-term." — Aire Kraft, Technical Support Manager
• "After the 5S event, the Sales and Marketing Team made huge improvements in team cohesion effectiveness, and communication. The Green Belt training helped me facilitate this department-wide transformation that has made a positive impact on all team members and department metrics." — Jessie Eitting, Product Manager

To learn more, and to read other success stories, click HERE.