Columbus McKinnon Lean Manufacturing

Columbus McKinnon reports respectable financial results in the face of external challenges. The company uses lean manufacturing in its operations as a strategic weapon. ...

... "Our lower fixed cost structure and leaner operations provide us flexibility to make changes quickly and also lessen the recessionary effects on our earnings power when compared with the last recessionary period earlier this decade. " ...

Via Columbus McKinnon: 6.7% Revenue Growth in Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter

The recent earnings discussion highlights the company's strategic focus on lean operations. ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Columbus McKinnon F2Q09 Earnings Call Transcript: "Lean manufacturing continues to be a focus for our company. We are seeing an accelerated rate of improvement in most of our facilities and are encouraged by the work and improvements made to date. "

The company developed a broad approach to lean across its manufacturing footprint. ...

Via SEC Info: Yale Industrial Products: "Columbus McKinnon has expanded the implementation of lean manufacturing improvement activities to fifteen of its facilities. We are pleased with our lean manufacturing implementation progress to-date, said Tevens, and we are realizing measurable results in improving productivity, reducing inventory, and freeing-up manufacturing space, while simultaneously improving our customer service. We also look forward to realizing additional financial benefits from our lean initiative ... "

Sites, such as its Mexico facility, embraced lean principles. ...

Via MRO Today: Columbus McKinnon Mexico: "Columbus McKinnon CEO Tim Tevins paid a visit to Endor to kick off the Lean program at Columbus McKinnon Mexico. "

Lean Supply Chain Leadership: Herman Miller

AMR Research analyst, Kevin O'Marah discusses leading companies that exhibit potential to make the Top25 Supply Chain list. Herman Miller was identified for its lean supply chain practices. Herman Miller, Inc., is a global provider of office furniture and services that create great places to work. The company's lead-time schedules are delivery promises, built on the reliability of its production and distribution systems. Its lead-time schedules range from quick-ship (10 days or less) to customer-requirements-specific lead times. ...

... "Herman Miller - A close relationship with Toyota Supplier Support Center created world-class, lean manufacturing processes, cutting lead times from eight to four or even two weeks. Its flexible business model includes real-time electronic collaboration with suppliers. " ...

Via AMR Research: Candidates for Supply Chain Top 25