Lean Manufacturing Practices: Enable Smith Wesson Operational Improvements ...

Smith & Wesson posts strong financial results boosted by operational improvements driven through lean manufacturing practices. ...

... "Operational Improvements: Golden added, We made notable operating improvements in our Springfield factory throughout the year in manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing practices. In November 2005, improved efficiencies allowed us to return to a five-day work schedule in most of our machining operations, from the seven-day schedule we implemented in January 2005. This helped to reduce overtime expense and provides us with future capacity flexibility. Manufacturing efficiencies continued to improve throughout the fiscal year, helping to achieve the fourth quarter gross margin of 34.8%. We invested $15.6 million in the fiscal year to upgrade and purchase manufacturing equipment, geared primarily toward increasing pistol capacity and improving manufacturing processes. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Practices: Enable Smith Wesson Operational Improvements: Via Smith&Wesson: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Posts Record Annual Revenues ...