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The Sixth Sigma: Achieve Breakthrough Performance Using Six Sigma

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Lean Start-Up

Lean startups use low-cost techniques, such as open-source software tools and the Web, to create foundation to scale. ...

... "The term lean start-up was coined by Mr. Ries, 31, an engineer, entrepreneur and blogger. His inspiration, he says, was the lean manufacturing process ... " ...


Via New York Times: Lean Start-Ups Find Customers Quickly

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Lean Order Volume

Manufacturer of privacy glass uses lean techniques to adapt to spikes in order volume. ...

... "We employ lean manufacturing principles which allow us to quickly react to large order volumes. All of our SmartGlass panels are bespoke and made to order which is an advantage and a disadvantage. " ...


Via GLASS ON WEB: Switchable privacy glass

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Tobyhanna Lean Six Sigma Targets Turnaround Time

Tobyhanna Depot attacks cycle times with lean techniques. ...

... "As glitches in the process have been aggressively identified and addressed, the turnaround time has been cut in half to 145 days, and the line pushed out 18 units in 2008. " ...


Army Lean

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Haynes Continuous Improvement through Six Sigma and Lean Techniques

Haynes commits to Lean and Six Sigma in its operational excellence journey. ...

... "We are also building our Haynes history of continuous improvement by implementing lean techniques in our facilities and incorporating the project management and problem solving riggers at Six Sigma. Haynes has always had a strong commitment to quality and waste reduction for utilizing principles of statistical process control and continuous improvement. However, we have recognized that there are some things we can learn and efficiencies we can gain by implementing lean techniques in Six Sigma methodology. " ...


Via Seeking Alpha: Haynes International Earnings Call

Haynes has leveraged lean in its energy efficiency and waste reduction programs. ...

Haynes Lean Achievements discussed in Business Excellence (PDF): "An interesting spin-off from the lean program is that it has been boosting other company improvement initiatives. A major energy user, Haynes has been working on ways to reduce its energy consumption and cut the amount of the waste going to landfill. "

Haynes International

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Lean Workforce Adapts to Business Conditions

In this blistering tough economy, lean-trained workers adjust to business conditions by shifting from waning companies and industries to more adaptive enterprises that value their lean mindset. ...

... "about 15 former Eagle Industries employees were trained in lean manufacturing techniques and subsequently hired by New Bedford Tactical Gear through a recent partnership with WIB. " ...


Via New England Business Bulletin: WIB

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Thursday, September 03, 2009

Ford India Lean Manufacturing Techniques

Ford transforms its India operations in preparation for production of a new car. The plant has been retrofit and will leverage lean techniques for success. ...

... "The transformed Maraimalai Nagar Ford plant is built around an array of new lean manufacturing techniques to make it ultra-efficient and its products cost-competitive even in the hotly contested sub-B segment in India and other growth markets. " ...


Via Paddock Talk: Ford Investment In India

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

India Lean Manufacturing Scheme

Indian government will invest in lean principles for its small business sector to increase competitiveness. ...

... "The objective of this scheme is to enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by applying lean techniques to identify and eliminate waste in the manufacturing process. " ...


Via UTVi: Lean Manufacturing

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Monday, December 22, 2008

Lean Techniques Raise Game

UK manufacturer sees success from lean techniques
Wessington Cryogenics has radically transformed the company through adoption of lean manufacturing methods and its growth has accelerated. ...

... "We adopted some lean manufacturing techniques, pushed harder for sales and basically raised our game. This renewed focus has seen Wessington double its turnover and double its staff roster to 100. " ...


Via nebusiness UK: Wessington Cryogenics

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Manufacturing Cell Design

Lean manufacturing training includes cell-design simulation ...

... "Wednesday's mock manufacturing cell hopefully demonstrated how companies can improve efficiency by getting production groups closer together and building to order instead of waiting on backlog to sell, Raubach said. " ...


Via Tulsa World: Lean Techniques

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Sunday, October 28, 2007

Lean Techniques Integrate With Maintenance Process

Coronado Naval Air Station, along with other fleet readiness centers, integrated lean manufacturing techniques into its maintenance process to streamline work and accelerate change. ...

Military implements lean techniques in its ship maintenance and repair operations

... "To achieve these goals, the FRC has implemented methods such as integrating its existing technologies to improve processes in certain production lines; setting up color-coded boards to keep track of which aircraft are in what maintenance cycle ... " ...


Via San Diego Business Journal: Fleet Readiness Center

Related:

Naval Base Coronado: "Mission Statement: To arm, repair, provision, service, and support the U.S. Pacific Fleet ... "

NAS North Island in Coronado, California


View Larger Map

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

The Next Generation Factory Uses Lean Techniques to Shift Thinking

AMD's Dr. Douglas Grose sees lean techniques as a strategic imperative to streamline the Next Generation Factory (NGF). ...

AMD see lean techniques as critical for the success of next generation manufacturing

... "Building on its pioneering efforts in the adoption of Lean techniques and Automated Precision Manufacturing in semiconductor factories, AMD is joining with industry partners, including ISMI, to develop new tools and processes for further streamlining both front-end and back-end production. For example, current practice across the industry is to move wafers through the process steps in 25 wafer batches, but most of the tools can only process a few or even one wafer at a time, greatly increasing the amount of time it takes to process an entire 25 wafers, slowing the delivery to the customer and extending time-to-revenue for the manufacturer. Small Lot Manufacturing (SLM) and Single Wafer Tools (SWT) are proposed changes that would greatly improve manufacturing efficiency, but requires an industry-wide shift in thinking. Collaborating on addressing this issue and others magnifies the impact by distributing investments of time, talent and money across all the parties that ultimately benefit. " ...


Via AMD: Customer at Center of Chip Manufacturing


Related:

Rapid Prototyping, Tooling and Manufacturing: "A major break-through has been achieved in rapid manufacturing by moving from SLS to SLM. "

Rapid Manufacturing

NGMTI: "The purpose of the Next Generation Manufacturing Technology Initiative (NGMTI) is to accelerate the development and implementation of breakthrough manufacturing technologies ... "

Manufacturing - Next Generation Manufacturing: "This will require factories that can be quickly reconfigured to adapt to changing production and that can be operated by highly-motivated and skilled knowledge workers. "

Customer Centric Enterprise: "Solving the trade-off between customer centric manufacturing on the one hand (meaning high variety and fast responsiveness) and low costs, stable capacity utilization and high quality on the other necessitates incorporating systematic methodologies for manufacturing planning, process design and quality assurance in an integrated manner. "

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Monday, August 13, 2007

Lean Minimizes Capital for Automation

Lean principles are discussed to maximize the efficiency of complex manufacturing processes. ...

... "Lean techniques are also worthy of investigation because they eliminate large capital outlays for dedicated machinery until automation becomes absolutely necessary. " ...


Via Electronics Supply & Manufacturing: Principles of lean manufacturing

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Boeing Aircraft Lean Production System

Boeing starts manufacturing of key airplane components as it ramps up for aircraft assembly by mid-year. Lean techniques make up its repertoire of manufacturing improvements. ...

Boeing uses lean manufacturing to streamline its production

... "To create additional production capacity to build the 787 vertical fin, the Boeing factory implemented significant improvements, including a pulse moving line featuring right-sized tooling, determinant assembly and advanced technology drilling techniques. Lean manufacturing techniques are used to enhance the quality and efficiency of its production system. " ...


Via Aero-News Network: Boeing 787 Manufacturing

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Microsoft Dynamics Lean Enterprise Solution

Microsoft will integrate lean techniques into its Dynamics software solution. ...

... "As a part of this new program, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises that will expand the core functionality of the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution. This expansion via a code acquisition from eBECS Ltd., a privately held company that delivers a complete lean enterprise solution, will enable customers to optimize processes and better connect and integrate the entire supply chain, from the customer to the supply partners, to support demand-driven operations. Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises will be available to customers as a separate module as part of the Advanced Management edition of Business Ready Licensing by the end of calendar year 2007, initially in English only. Microsoft plans to integrate the acquired code into the next release of Microsoft Dynamics AX and have it localized for all Microsoft Dynamics AX languages. " ...


Via Microsoft: Microsoft Dynamics Deepens Industry Investments: New acquisition, industry investments and ISV solutions certification reiterate balanced approach to delivering industry-relevant software.

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Monday, March 05, 2007

Army Modernization Lean Techniques For Helicopter Manufacturing

Chinook helicopter is manufactured with lean techniques for efficiency
Army Chinook modernization program uses lean manufacturing to eliminate waste and lower costs. ...

... "Throughout this process, the implementation of lean manufacturing processes on the factory floor and use of employee involvement teams have reduced manufacturing costs and improved production efficiency. " ...


Via Defense Industry Daily: US Army Chinooks Manufacturing ...

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Sunday, January 28, 2007

Lean Accounting Seminar

Timken lean accounting techniques are shared at local seminar
Timken leader will present lean accounting techniques at local seminar. ...

... "Tuesday, Feb 20: Michael Discenza, the operations controller for the Timken Co., will hold a Lean Accounting seminar at 5 p.m., at the New Hampshire Technical Institute at 320 Corporate Drive, Pease International Tradeport. As management accountants strive to evolve into full business partners, understanding how Lean and Six Sigma tools can improve your company's performance is critical to success. " ...


Via Portsmouth Herald: Link

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Monday, January 08, 2007

Lean Techniques: GE Transportation Rail Manufacturing Plants

GE uses lean manufacturing in the manufacture of locomotives
Pennsylvania and businesses invest in the improvement of manufacturing in the state. GE specifically is investing in lean manufacturing techniques to accelerate customer services and increase operational efficiency. ...

... "GE Transportation Systems plans to implement lean manufacturing techniques at its rail plants in Erie and Grove City, Mercer County, a project that is expected to cost $12.8 million. By applying this new operational strategy, the company expects to lower costs and shorten lead times to deliver orders and products. GE Transportation Systems has already fulfilled its commitment to the commonwealth to create 120 new jobs, is also retaining 4,486 existing jobs in Erie and 915 additional jobs at other Pennsylvania locations. The Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation (GEIDC) supported the company in its efforts to obtain the investment package from DCED that includes a $250,000 Opportunity Grant and $250,000 in Customized Job Training (CJT). GE Transportation Systems manufactures locomotives, off-highway vehicles and wind turbines." ...


Via PA Governor Ed Rendell: GOVERNOR RENDELL SAYS 3 MANUFACTURERS INVESTING $19 MILLION TO GROW NORTHWEST PA OPERATIONS, CREATE 385 NEW JOBS

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Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Lean Techniques DataCenter Ops

McKinsey research shows the adoption of lean techniques in data center operations. ...

... "survey of senior IT executives shows a growing interest in service-oriented architectures and lean data center operations." ...


Via McKinsey: CIO Survey ...

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Friday, December 22, 2006

Boat Building: Lean Manufacturing

Yacht building improved with lean manufacturing
Landamores increases its manufacturing productivity using lean techniques. ...

... "It has enabled us to systemise our manufacturing processes and shown us how to apply lean manufacturing techniques to our boat building. " ...


Via Manufacturing Talk: Yacht building productivity increases

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Thursday, December 21, 2006

Printing Machinery Lean Manufacturing

Printer uses lean manufacturing to compete in its markets
The Canterbury Press sees success in the print market through lean techniques that drive operational efficiency. The company also invests in new machinery and automation to enable it to compete effectively in the marketplace. ...

... "Canterbury was an early adopter of lean manufacturing practices to cut costs and speed production. The ROLAND 700 will help the company's employee-owners notch that advantage up further to make production even more efficient and timely. " ...


Via What They Think: Read

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Sunday, November 26, 2006

Visteon Lean Supply Chain

Visteon supply chain is based on lean manufacturing principles of minimal inventory
The lean supply chain at Visteon and its automotive customers can be impacted by any workforce events. ...

... "Stoppages at Visteon could bring big headaches for British car plants. ... Lean manufacturing techniques mean carmakers rarely keep large stocks of components. " ...


Via Times UK: Visteon ...

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Thursday, November 23, 2006

LeanSixSigma: Danaher Business System

Accenture partner discusses the transformation that is achieved through Lean Six Sigma implementation. Sustaining high performance that translates into ongoing profitability is the goal. And, lean manufacturing principles become the enterprise's diet. ...

... "At the level of daily management, kaizen events employ a diverse range of operational efficiency tools – including Six Sigma and value-mapping techniques – to eliminate such sources of waste as excess inventory, waiting time, overproduction and quality defects. " ...


Via The Manufacturer: Link

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Monday, November 20, 2006

Continuous Improvement Project: Automation Complements

Automotive suppliers leverage automation and continuous improvement to remain competitive. ...

... "The Schrader story is an enlightening one demonstrating that, with investment in automation (brought about by a rigorous pursuit of lean manufacturing techniques and continual improvement), Western European manufacturers can compete ... " ...


Via ProcessingTalk: Link

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Monday, October 30, 2006

Supplier Contract: Lean Techniques Differentiate ...

McAvoy Group secures major contract through emphasis in quality and lean techniques ...

... "Our extensive investment in quality systems, digital technology and lean manufacturing techniques helped us secure this very substantial contract. " ...


Via Belfast Telegraph: Link

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Lean Value Chain Efficiency

Local manufacturers in mining industry use lean manufacturing techniques in their value chain to drive efficiencies. ...

Terex uses lean manufacturing techniques to drive efficiency gains ...

... "Lean manufacturing has done a lot for the company in two years, Raffaelli said. Assembly time for a telehandler has been cut roughly in half to 16 hours. Assembly line stations are down to five from 11. " ...


Via The Daily Mining Gazette: Terex Handlers implementing lean manufacturing ...

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Sunday, October 22, 2006

Lean Operations: Cut Production Waste ...

Electri-Cable Assemblies showcases their lean manufacturing techniques ...

ElectriCable uses lean manufacturing in its operations to eliminate waste ...

... "He said the company is now a lean operation, meaning it uses a core set of techniques to cut waste in all elements of production. " ...


Via The Connecticut Post: Shelton firm shows off streamlining ...

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

Advanced Materials Lean Manufacturing ...

Center will incubate development of advanced materials and lean manufacturing techniques. ...

Advanced materials center will support development and manufacturing ...

... "DC-AMT has been established to develop advanced materials and manufacturing processes, support high-tech tenants and nurture lean manufacturing and emerging technologies and products. " ...


Via netComposites: National Composite Center to Showcase Key Technologies ...

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Saturday, October 14, 2006

Kanban WebSeminar ...

Upcoming seminar on Lean Kanban is planned for Oct 18, 2006 2:00 PM ET ...

... "A highly effective kanban system should be visual, intuitive and self-perpetuating. While many companies have implemented simple, effective kanban systems, the best kanban implementations go beyond simple, manual kanban techniques and utilize a fully integrated system that seamlessly integrates with the back office (ERP / MRP) system. " ...


Via Infor: Kanban: A Pillar of Lean

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Monday, October 02, 2006

Lean Process: Global Manufacturing Network

Dresser, Inc. relocates its valve manufacturing plant to a new facility in the strategically-located industrial area in Brazil. The new 56,000-square-foot facility began producing control valves and pressure relief valves recently using lean manufacturing techniques. ...

Dresser uses lean techniques in its manufacturing facilities in the global network

... "This new Dresser facility is one of a network of global manufacturing facilities dedicated to the manufacturing of Dresser's Masoneilan control valves and Consolidated pressure relief valves for the energy and process industries. The facility provides manufacturing, assembly, testing, distribution, service and repair capabilities using the lean manufacturing techniques and processes. It will be ISO 9000 registered and will also comply with all applicable ASME code requirements. " ...

Via Dresser, Inc.: Dresser, Inc. Relocates Brazilian Manufacturing Operations to New Facility ...

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Friday, September 29, 2006

Simplify Manufacturing Process with Lean Techniques ...

UK firm simplifies its processes with lean ...

Lean simplifies manufacturing processes

... "Among his first actions has been to bring in lean manufacturing techniques, which has simplified the manufacturing process. " ...

Via icWales: Saunders sets firm on road to recovery

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Manufacturing Software Support Lean Methods ...

Latest release of HighJump supply chain software supports lean manufacturing methods on the shop floor through touch-screen interface. ...

Manufacturing software serves the shop floor with lean techniques to drive efficiency through the supply chain ...

... "Manufacturing Execution: HighJump Manufacturing Advantage features a new, Web-based touch-screen user interface which has been optimized for the shop floor. This release also extends HighJump Manufacturing Advantage's material flow management to support lean manufacturing methods. By orchestrating the fluid movement of material through manufacturing processes, HighJump Manufacturing Advantage enables companies to meet tight production schedules without increasing inventory levels or adding labor. Material tracking and genealogy capabilities have also been enhanced to provide a greater level of inventory visibility and control of components and finished goods. " ...

Via HighJump Software: HighJump Software Extends Global Product Reach with Launch of HighJump Supply Chain Advantage Suite 9.0 ...

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Thursday, September 14, 2006

Global Manufacturing Competition: Lean versus Labor ...

Tenneco plants in China and US are compared to illustrate the global competitive landscape in manufacturing ...

Tenneco muffler manufactured using lean quality techniques in the US and low wage labor in China ...

... "To boost productivity, Tenneco's Litchfield facility also tries to work smarter. It bristles with evidence of the latest efficiency techniques: Lean Production, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement. Workers take an active interest in reducing bottlenecks. " ...

Via CNN: A tale of two factories ...

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Lean Kaizen: Team Drives Improvements ...

Kiesler Enterprises, a high-end custom cabinetry manufacturer, uses lean techniques to optimize performance for high growth and efficiency. ...

... "We also conducted Kaizens, short bursts of activity that result in significant improvements with the team. The Kaizen process helped redefine the relationship and interaction between sales and drafting. Both departments now combine resources and steps, said Joseph Murcko, project manager for the Arizona MEP. " ...

Via Yahoo: Custom Cabinetry Company Builds with Lean ...

The Arizona MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business coaches whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness.

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Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Plant Profits from Lean Manufacturing

Pulaski balances global competition and profitability with lean manufacturing implementation. ...

Lean principles support plant profitability ...

... "Pulaski imports much of its product, but still builds curios at a plant in Virginia. Earlier this year, the company initiated a series of lean-manufacturing techniques to make the plant more profitable. " ...

Via Kids Today: Pulaski, SLF merge ...

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Saturday, September 02, 2006

Company Sees Improvement from Lean Techniques ...

Electronics inspection firm sees improvement in operations from lean techniques ...

Lean manufacturing contributes to inspection company's success ...

... "We first focused on operational improvements to improve quality, on-time delivery, and lead times through the implementation of lean manufacturing principles." ...

Via Test & Measurement World: Lean techniques drive inspection firm's rebound ...

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India Manufacturing: Lean Efficient ...

India manufacturing companies show signs of lean efficiency. ...

India manufacturing implements Japanese lean techniques ...

... "The Confederation of Indian Industry, a national trade group, has also been highly successful in pushing companies to adopt the latest Japanese lean manufacturing techniques. " ...

Via Tuscaloosa News: A Younger India Is Flexing Its Industrial Brawn - Tuscaloosa

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Sunday, August 20, 2006

The Lean Metal Shop ...

Metal working business strategy includes lean manufacturing techniques ...

... "The best shops have and maintain business strategies that are designed to make them better. The management tools they use—whether they involve lean manufacturing, continuous improvement programs or Toyota management systems - are put into place to support those basic strategies, and those strategies are focused on one thing: cutting metal. " ...

Via American Machinist: How Do You Measure Up?

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Lean ShipBuilding: Toyota Techniques Translate ...

Shipbuilder transforms workforce through lean techniques from Toyota ...

Lean techniques are applied to the ship-building industry ...

... "Former Toyota engineers have been brought in to introduce lean manufacturing processes and to drive down the time taken to fit the 23,000 pipes per boat. " ...

Via Financial Times: Britain's submarines resurface ...

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Lean Grant: Employee Training Investment ...

Local firm receives investment for workforce training in lean techniques ...

Workforce training grant supports lean manufacturing ...

... "Industrial Machine and Engineering Co. in Monett was recently awarded $15,000 through the Missouri Customized Training Program to train 25 employees in quality management and lean manufacturing improvements, what company officials say is an investment in keeping and growing local jobs. " ...

Lean Grant: Employee Training Investment: Via The Joplin Globe: Monett firm gets training grant ...

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Lean Sucess: Cessna Growth ...

Cessna performance is up, in part due to lean manufactuing implementation ...

Cessna sees success with lean techniques ...

... "For example, Cessna is continually working to boost productivity and efficiencies through lean manufacturing techniques. The company won praise for its efforts from its parent company ... " ...

Via Wichita Eagle: Cessna growth means jobs for Wichita ...

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Sunday, August 06, 2006

Jaguar Lean Revamp Drives Efficient Production ...

Jaguar Halewood manufacturing site has transformed its assembly lines to levels of efficiency that are the envy of Europe. ...

Jaguar auto production uses lean manufacturing techniques ...

... "Halewood has been producing cars since 1963 with the Ford Anglia. It stopped producing Ford brand products in mid-2000 and has been completely revamped using lean manufacturing principles for efficient production. " ...

Lean Revamp Efficient Production: Via The Observer: Merseyside on the edge as its drive to success is threatened ...

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Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Lean Factory Improvement Supports Strong Productivity Gains at GeneralCable ...

GeneralCable has a strong quarter, with contribution from its lean manufacturing techniques deployed at its factories. ...

... "The improvement in operating earnings was driven by increased factory utilization, and a significantly improved pricing environment across most of the Company's product lines and geographies, including a reduction in the time to recover raw material inflation. Also, strong productivity gains in several of the Company's North American manufacturing facilities, as well as factory improvements in Europe and Asia Pacific from the application of LEAN manufacturing techniques, have led to improved earnings. " ...

Lean Factory Improvement Supports Strong Productivity Gains at GeneralCable: Via General Cable: General Cable Reports Second Quarter Revenue and Earnings; EPS of $0.80 ...

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Monday, July 24, 2006

Sealy Lean Manufacturing Expansion ...

Sealy embraces lean manufacturing in its plant design ...
Sealy expands its manufacturing footprint in Pennsylvania, leveraging lean techniques in the design and operations. ...

... "Sealy will employ Lean Manufacturing techniques in the design and operation of the plant. Sealy has 25 other plants in North America, including a second components plant in Delano, about 30 miles south of Mountaintop. Sealy also operates a mattress assembly plant in Clarion, Pennsylvania." ...

Via Sealy Inc.: SEALY EXPANDS MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA WITH NEW WILKES-BARRE AREA FACILITY: New Facility Dedicated to Latex Foam Bedding Products Will Create 100 Jobs ...

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Sunday, July 16, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Change Necessary to Become Competitive ...

Rockwell Automation Power Systems manufacturing site in Tennessee uses lean techniques to enable it to become competitive in the global environment. The plant values its employees and the community in which it is located, even as it has had to transform itself to survive in the environment in which it competes. ...

Rockwell Automation leverages lean manufacturing techniques to remain competitive in the global environment ...

... "We had the quality and the customer service components. Now, we have the pricing we need. That's what lean manufacturing helped us to achieve, Case said. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Change Necessary to Become Competitive: Via The Rogersville Review, Tennesee: Rockwell Automation: Lean manufacturing gave this Rogersville company a competitive global advantage ...

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Monday, June 26, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Accelerates Product Development Programmes ...

Lean product design accelerates new development program ...
Princess Yachts leverages lean manufacturing techniques to accelerate the time to market of new development programmes. ...

... "David Pyle, Sales Director, comments, The implementation of lean manufacturing throughout our production facilities is achieving increased levels of productivity and further refined quality. With similar principles being applied to a number of new development programmes our outstanding design and development teams are given the opportunity to really deliver. An accelerated schedule to introduce a selection of exciting new models from concept over the next 18 months will expand and further strengthen our motor yacht range. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Accelerates Product Development Programmes: Via bymnews: Princess Yachts International to launch four models at Southampton Boat Show ...

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Sunday, June 25, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Shift Supervisor Position ...

Lean manufacturing techniques are used in the manufacture of plywood ...
Manufacturing company seeks shift supervisor with lean manufacturing experience ...

... "Potlatch Forest Products Corporation, St. Maries Complex (St. Maries, Idaho) is looking for one person to staff a shift supervisor's position at the St. Maries Plywood Complex. Some of the responsibilities of the position includes supervising hourly production and maintenance employees, assisting in budgeting and planning, ensuring quality and quantity of production using Lean Manufacturing techniques and developing a work climate conducive to safe work practices. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Shift Supervisor Position: Via Spokesmanreview Classifieds

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Monday, June 12, 2006

Lean Manufacturing: Printer Manufacturer Achieves Success ...

Lean manufacturing recognition for Z Corporation ...
Z Corporation achieves industry recognition for its lean manufacturing implementation. ...

... "Dubbed the Nobel Prize of Manufacturing by BusinessWeek, the Shingo Prize is recognized as one of the premier manufacturing awards and recognition programs in North America for the practice of lean manufacturing, a process that eliminates waste wherever possible. Z Corp. is one of four 2006 Northeast Shingo Prize recipients. Z Corp. employs lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as single-piece flow, customer-driven production, standardized work, kanban systems, and a quality at the source approach to drive improvement efforts. Since 2003, Z Corp.'s lean manufacturing processes have enabled the company to increase factory output by 300 percent, employee productivity by more than 45 percent, and inventory turns by more than 50 percent while maintaining an on-time delivery rate of more than 95 percent.
Z Corp manufactures printers using lean methods ...
Z Corp. practices lean manufacturing on multiple levels – first, through our internal achievements and second, by enabling our customers to streamline their own manufacturing cycles, said Mike Vogel, director of operations, Z Corporation. Our lean manufacturing commitment is an integral part of our commitment to helping companies bring better products more quickly to market. Bruce Hamilton, president of GBMP and administrator of the Northeast Shingo Prize, called Z Corp. a model for continuous improvement and world-class results. We congratulate the employees of Z Corp. for making the company a strong, world-class manufacturer in Massachusetts and on a job well done. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Printer Manufacturer Achieves Success: Via Z Corp: Z Corporation Recognized for Exemplary Lean Manufacturing Achievements ...

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Sunday, June 11, 2006

Lean Management: Reliability Centered Maintenance Program at BART ...

Lean maintenance program initiated at BART ...
Wyle Laboratories will support Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in its maintenance improvement program for the mass transit system rolling assets. ...

... "Wyle will use its expertise in applying Versatile Asset Management System principles for equipment maintenance, including Reliability Centered Maintenance process improvement techniques, a leading standard that has been used in the aerospace industry for almost 30 years. We're excited to use our technical expertise to help the Bay Area protect such an important public investment and to help BART achieve its future capacity goals, said Kevin Balsan, Wyle's project manager. This contract win is part of Wyle's business objective to provide its Reliability Centered Maintenance and Lean capabilities to new markets.

Wyle employs a team of certified maintenance and reliability professionals skilled in the Versatile Asset Management System tools of Reliability Centered Maintenance, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, as well as other process improvement methods. That team works at Wyle's Jacksonville, Fla., location, where management and oversight of the analysis for the BART maintenance program will take place. LEAN and Reliability Centered Maintenance consultants from Wyle will also work on-site at BART's various San Francisco Bay Area locations. " ...

Lean Management: Reliability Centered Maintenance Program: Via Wyle Laboratories: Wyle Laboratories Awarded $6.9 Million Contract to Support BART Program

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Saturday, June 03, 2006

Lean Supports Quality Parts: Reduces Handling ...

Lean techniques create quality parts ...
Low quality in RV's requires lean techniques to reduce part handling ...

... "Companies such as Winnebago Industries Inc. and Thor Industries Inc. are focusing on lean manufacturing processes that cut down on how often parts are handled during production, reducing the chance of damaging them. " ...

Via Post Gazette: Many find little recompense for faulty RVs ...

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Lean Manufacturing Success Story: Wood Products ...

Osborne Wood Products has success with lean manufacturing ...
Osborne Wood Products shares their lean manufacturing success story ...

... "The stories detailed the company's change from a commodity wood parts manufacturer to a specialist in small runs and short lead times using lean manufacturing techniques. " ...

Via The Toccoa Record: Osborne receives national attention ...

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Monday, May 29, 2006

Manufacturing Manager: Lean Techniques ...

Manufacturing manager position available with experience in lean techniques ...

... "This position will require working in an environment where precision, quality and confidentiality is top priority. Qualifications: A degree in industrial or manufacturing engineering is preferred; 7 - 10 years of manufacturing management experience in related field required; knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques; strong working knowledge of process improvements and materials management; " ...

Manufacturing Manager: Lean Techniques: Via Winona Daily News: Top Jobs: MANUFACTURING MANAGER/PRODUCTION ENGINEER ...

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Thursday, May 25, 2006

Kaizen Events Kickoff Operational Excellence Program ...

Kaizen events start off MITY's Lean Six Sigma program ...
MITY reports a good quarter and strong year, as it balances growth with operational efficiency. Just starting its kaizen events, you could expect it to deliver significant efficiencies over the next few years as Lean Six Sigma techniques work their magic. ...

... "To enhance our innovative chair offering, this quarter we introduced two new chair lines: the SwiftSet Courtside folding chair and the SwiftSet HDTM high density stacking chair. Both chair lines were in response to customer requests and expand our offering into previously untapped opportunities. In addition, we continue to focus on improving our operational excellence by implementing lean and six sigma manufacturing techniques. We are just starting to see some results from our efforts and, recently, had our first series of Kaizen events. " ...

Kaizen Events Kickoff Operational Excellence Program: Via Mity Enterprises: MITY ENTERPRISES, INC. ANNOUNCES RESULTS FOR FOURTH FISCAL QUARTER AND YEAR END ...

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Monday, May 08, 2006

Lean Manufacturing: Packaging Industry Innovation ...

Innovation in the Packaging industry keeps CEO excited ...
Lars Emilson, Rexam CEO, is still excited about the packaging industry, as his company accelerates innovation and increases operational efficiency through Six Sigma. ...

... "Rexam has been tackling these rising costs by focusing on efficiency and implementing lean manufacturing techniques, including Six Sigma. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Packaging Industry Innovation: Where bottles and cans come in a package with creativity: Via Times Online ...

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Saturday, May 06, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration ...

SAP connecor integrates with lean manufacturing software ...
Ultriva lean manufacturing software integrates with SAP through real-time connector. ...

... "Customers using SAP and Ultriva will be able to use Ultriva as their lean execution system while continuing to use SAP as their system of record for inventory and purchasing data. This approach allows customers to leverage their investments in SAP while substantially improving on-time delivery and reducing inventory through best-in-class lean manufacturing techniques. As material is consumed and Ultriva kanban cards are scanned, SAP will be updated in real-time with new purchase orders or purchase order receipts. This approach eliminates data entry and streamlines processes, allowing shop floor operators to focus on the factory floor while knowing that all of the necessary information is being provided to the SAP system. Ultriva's SAP Connector uses standard SAP BAPI (Business Application Program Interfaces) to ensure secure and reliable data sharing. The SAP Connector is an extension to Ultriva’s Integration Platform, which includes a toolset for rapidly creating or extending integration touch points while guaranteeing zero lost transactions. The Ultriva toolset now has the ability to dynamically import BAPI definitions, including tables, structures and rowsets dramatically reducing the time required to map to new or customized SAP integration touch points. This combination of flexibility and support for SAP BAPIs allows Ultriva to quickly deliver to SAP customers customized integration touch points which match their configuration of SAP. In addition to BAPI support, Ultriva’s Integration Platform ensures rapid, cost-effective integration with almost any IT system through bi-directional communication via SQL databases, XML, flat-file, EDI, terminal emulation and other custom API. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration: Via Ultriva: Ultriva Lean Manufacturing Software Announces Real-Time SAP Connector ...

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Monday, April 17, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Company Initiative ...

Lean manufacturing initiative is aimed at cost control ...

... "To control costs, our primary focus is on improving production yields and implementing lean manufacturing techniques across the Company. Also, we are currently in negotiation with our represented employees at our Circuits facility in Toronto and we anticipate reaching a new contract in our second quarter on terms that are good for our employees and for the Company, added Mr. Joe Ricci, Vice President and CFO. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Company Initiative: Via Firan Technology Group: Firan Technology Group Corporation Announces First Quarter 2006 Earnings ...

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques ...

QAD lean manufacturing software enables techniques for advanced production. ...

... "VKI Technologies, based in Quebec, is deploying QAD MFG/PRO eB2 technology from California-based enterprise software provider QAD Inc., to support the company's lean manufacturing initiatives and related advanced production techniques. VKI Technologies produces coffee-brewing equipment for the North American market and licenses its patented technology to equipment manufacturers in Europe and Japan. According to Robert Primeau, director, Business Strategies and Customer Support, VKI is focused on eliminating parallel systems and expanding use of QAD software to ensure a consistent standard for enterprise operations – from finance to the factory floor and supply chain, and in the future, customer self-service. VKI's manufacturing facilities encompass several operational processes and just-in-time (JIT) techniques such as mix model assembly lines, point-of-use storage, cellular manufacturing in its sheet metal department and Kanban card-controlled production, all of which have increased the company's manufacturing flexibility and reduced its response time for specific customer orders. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques: Via QAD: VKI Technologies Brews Potential for Business Expansion with Enterprise Technology from QAD

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Sunday, March 26, 2006

Lean Techniques Applied to Healthcare Services ...

... "Introducing digital x-ray facilities, robotic pharmacists or applying lean manufacturing techniques to pathology services all save money and provide a more efficient service to patients. " ...

Lean Techniques Applied to Healthcare Services: Via Medical News: NHS Confederation Responds To Job Losses In The NHS, UK

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Lean Manufacturing Supervisor Position Available ...

Lean Manufacturing Supervisor position is available ...

... "Lean Manufacturing Supervisor: Leading specialty metals manufacturer is seeking an experienced supervisor to facilitate work on the production floor, plan the daily and weekly work schedule, and solve production problems as part of the continuous improvement plan. Knowledge and experience in adapting Lean Manufacturing or Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques or principles to the production environment are required. Technical or engineering background with familiarity and experience in an industrial setting, including at least 5 years supervisory and engineering experience preferred. " ...

Via Spokesmanreview: Classifieds: Lean Manufacturing Supervisor Position

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Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Six Sigma Leadership Appointment ...

Exception EMS, electronics manufacturer, appoints Six Sigma experienced leader. ...

... "Davies has a track record of successfully implementing lean manufacturing techniques. A six sigma black belt and a teambuilding enthusiast, he specialises in creating strategies to achieve more efficient and flexible manufacturing operations. " ...

Six Sigma Leadership Appointment: Via EE Times UK: CEM brings in lean manufacturing experience

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Saturday, March 18, 2006

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental ...

Per Goldratt, Lean Six Sigma is fundamental to theory of constraints implementation. ...

... "Related, I asked Goldratt how TOC related to clearly similar concepts such as Lean and Six Sigma. His answer: In almost every implementation of the Theory of Constraints, we also force in the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma. The techniques themselves are beautiful. " ...

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental: Via Supply Chain Digest: Dr. Eli Goldratt - Unplugged Part 2

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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

SixSigma Methodology Improve Design and Performance ...

Manufacturer uses Six Sigma Methodology to improve design and performance ...

... "Drumm said, We used the Six Sigma methodology to improve design and process performance, and applied lean manufacturing techniques to look at production cycles, increasing efficiency and eliminating waste. " ...

SixSigma Methodology Improve Design and Performance: Via EE Times UK: Tyre pressure innovator adapts to save 2.4million pounds

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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques ...

Infor delivers lean solution that leverages pull scheduling techniques ...

... "J&E/Earll has implemented Infor's Easy Lean solution, which has brought pull-oriented scheduling techniques to its production, which includes the manufacture and delivery of make-to order custom metal components and fabricated, finished and assembled final products for industries in some 30 states, Canada and Ireland.

Prior to incorporating Easy Lean into its Infor ERP VISUAL Enterprise software suite, J&E/Earll lacked the tools it needed to meet its delivery performance objectives. Without a formal scheduling or load/capacity capability, work did not flow efficiently. Production was consistently subject to expedited shipments and constantly shifting priorities. After Infor's Throughput Improvement PSO Group provided J&E/Earll with an approach to lean manufacturing, the company was able to use Easy Lean to reduce lead times dramatically, while making it considerably easier to maintain a 95-percent on-time performance level. " ...


Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques: Fast-Growing Manufacturer Solves Scheduling Challenges with Solution from Infor: Infor solutions enable J&E/Earll Manufacturing to slash lead times and gain 95-percent on-time delivery ...

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Saturday, February 18, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Conference: Focus on Printing Industry ...

Upcoming printing industry conference focuses on lean manufacturing techniques ...

... "The 2006 PIA/GATF Continuous Improvement Network (CIN) Annual Conference, April 9th through 12th in Scottsdale, Arizona, will focus on the ability of lean manufacturing concepts to make dramatic improvements in the performance of printing companies. " ...


Lean Manufacturing Conference: Focus on Printing Industry: Via Electronic Publishing: 2006 PIA/GATF Conference Focuses on Lean Manufacturing

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Thursday, February 02, 2006

Six Sigma: United Airlines Transformation ...

United Airlines will implement Six Sigma to enable its transformation ...

... "United is introducing so-called lean-manufacturing techniques at its maintenance operations. It is introducing highly technical new quality measurements, called Six Sigma, to its cargo and call centers, and new work methods in its ramp and customer service operations. " ...

Six Sigma: United Airlines Transformation: Via Chicago Tribune: Tilton test: Turn survival into success

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Sunday, January 29, 2006

Kaizen Blitz: Improvement Technique ...

Business, everywhere, can benefit from continuous improvement. Products, processes, and people can improve quality. Fred Fishman, Manager Strategic Procurement Programs, explores the techniques of continuous improvement, such as recognizing the opportunity and seeking assistance. ...

... "Whether portrayed in a formula-rich analysis during a Six Sigma event, the rapid fire and instinctive physical changes implemented during a kaizen blitz, the reduction of muda (Japanese term for waste) in the lean journey, or the methodical development of a value stream map to visually identify value-added vs. non-value-added steps in a flow of work, each technique employs some variation of mathematical, statistical or visual analysis to achieve the desired result - improvement. " ...


Kaizen Blitz: Improvement Technique: Via Reliable Plant Magazine: The importance of Continuous Process Improvement ...

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Friday, January 27, 2006

Six Sigma: Cessna Success ...

Cessna Aircraft Company leader, Jack Pelton, discusses the company's success and achievements in 2005, enabled by its Lean Six Sigma program. ...

... "He attributed the year's success to a world class Cessna team, award winning customer support, a broad product line that is responsive to the marketplace, emerging global markets, and implementation of lean manufacturing processes. During the year, Cessna delivered 249 Citation jets, 822 single engine pistons, and 86 Caravan single-engine turboprops; won FAA certification for two new jets -- the CJ1+ and CJ2+; and built its order book up to 788 jets and 1,198 single engine aircraft with a total value of $6.3 billion. The company also achieved significant refinement of its processes through implementation of the Textron Six Sigma Lean program, resulting in a more efficient, leaner company. " ...


Six Sigma: Cessna Success: Via Cessna: Remarkable Gains, Significant Achievements for Cessna in 2005 ...

Cessna six sigma program contributes to its success in 2005 ...

Textron Six Sigma: "Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is one of the three major elements of Textron Six Sigma, and the one that's most directly tied to meeting customer requirements. Through DFSS, we identify what our customers need and deliver it better than anyone else. It's a proven way to develop top quality products, services and processes right the first time, faster, and at a much lower cost. At Textron, we are combining the key principles of DFSS with a common method for designing all new products and services across the enterprise. "

Textron Annual Report: "The next step is Textron Six Sigma, a company-wide approach to improving our processes and delighting our customers through improved enterprise excellence. Textron's unique Six Sigma model is a comprehensive, common set of tools and techniques rigorously applied to all operating and functional areas to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and accelerate growth and innovation. While the concept of Six Sigma is not new, our unique combination of best practices and powerful methodologies into a single, holistic approach makes Textron Six Sigma the most important improvement process at Textron. "

Peter N. Riley, Senior Vice President Textron Six Sigma, Integrated Supply Chain and Transformation: "Peter N. Riley is senior vice president, Textron Six Sigma, integrated supply chain and transformation. In this role, Riley works closely with all Textron business units to continue the rapid deployment of critical enterprise-wide processes and systems to improve business performance and ensure the achievement of Textron's vision. He is also responsible for driving Textron's efforts to leverage its purchasing power and improve manufacturing processes across and among its business units. "

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