Li-Ion Battery Manufacturing: Six Sigma Quality Boost

Expanded executive team is needed to guide the growth in Li-Ion batteries at Boston-Power. The quality exec will raise the level of statistical skills on the factory floor. ...

... "As Boston-Power’s vice president of quality, Fred Pourmehr oversees the company’s factory sites, with an emphasis on providing statistical training support to ensure its ongoing best-in-class operations worldwide. His responsibilities include enhancing the company’s comprehensive global quality strategy, policies and initiatives, including Six Sigma programs. " ...

Via Boston-Power: Executive Team

Porsche Kaizen Efficiency

New Porsche leader brings experience in operational excellence, using kaizen techniques to streamline automotive operations. ...

... "The secret of their success was the Japanese business philosophy of kaizen, which emphasizes a lean approach to manufacturing based on constant process optimization. Using the kaizen philosophy, Wiedeking and Macht streamlined Porsche within a short period of time. " ...

Via BusinessWeek: Michael Macht, Porsche

Lean Manufacturing Makes Boeing Satellites Easier to Assemble

Intelsat awards Boeing a contract to build four telecommunication satellites based on Boeing's 702B satellite fleet. This satellite is designed with a flexible configuration and modular design incorporating advanced technologies. It is built using lean manufacturing techniques which ensures quality and affordability. ...

... "Using our Lean manufacturing processes, this new addition to the Boeing 702 family is also easier to manufacture and assemble, resulting in a high-quality, affordable product. " ...

Via Boeing: Intelsat Satellite Contract

Boeing's lean practices help it to differentiate in the marketplace. ...

Boeing Integrated Defense Systems uses lean: "Boeing's cost-saving Lean manufacturing practices and human space flight experience are being leveraged in its proposal to build the upper stage of NASA's Ares I rocket ... "

The company is willing to expend the effort to reduce waste from its processes. ...

Boeing Philadelphia Project implements lean flow system: "According to Hilaman, switching from a batch-and-queue system to a one-piece flow system is essential to achieving the benefits of lean manufacturing, but it can be an arduous journey. "

Utah Manufacturers Get Shingo'd

EFI Electronics and Autoliv are recognized for their lean manufacturing performance with Shingo Prizes. Both companies were committed to lean operations, which required changes such as equipment modifications and layout changes. ...

... "Autoliv, the maker of automobile airbag systems and one of the state's largest manufacturers, was awarded the top Shingo Prize for two of its five Utah locations. " ...

Via Salt Lake Tribune: Shingo prize

EFI Electronics Shingo Silver Medallion (PDF)

Shingo reception highlights ...



Autoliv uses team-based kaizen systems (PDF).

Autoliv's implementation of lean has been a journey (PDF).

Autoliv is recognized in the industry for its impressive lean manufacturing system. ...

Advanced Lean Manufacturing Integrated Post-Acquisition

LMI Aerospace completes acquisition of Integrated Technologies and plans to leverage lean manufacturing methods across the company as part of the integration process. ...

... "Our Mukilteo-based CTCE group (Composite Technology Center of Excellence) in our D3 Engineering Services operation and our Auburn, Washington, sheet metal and assembly plant from our Aerostructures division will actively collaborate with Intec to offer more advanced products, as well as introduce advanced lean manufacturing concepts into the Intec manufacturing business. " ...

Via LMI Aerospace: Acquisition of Integrated Technologies

Apple Operational Efficiency

Apple's COO has implemented operating efficiencies in its manufacturing and supply chain and is on the short list as the company's next CEO. ...

... "In one instance of its inefficiency, Apple assembled notebook computers at a plant in Ireland out of parts shipped from Asia, then sent a significant portion of the finished notebooks back to Asia to be sold in that market. " ...

Via Wall Street Journal: Apple's No. 2

Worker Driven Kaizen

Teleflex lean manufacturing program create through passion of factory floor worker. ...

... "The impetus to go lean at the Teleflex hydraulics manufacturing plant came not from management, but from a production worker, Jay Zhang. He first heard about Kaizen when he worked as a design and process engineer at the Chang Sha Blower Factory ... " ...

Via Vancouver Sun: Kaizen works lean

Failure Analysis in Six Sigma Methods

Dyadem enables Maidstone to analyze its failure modes, eliminate root causes, improve quality, and operate efficiently.

... "Maidstone has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars through the use of Six Sigma methodology and Dyadem's FMEA Pro-7 Risk Management Software -- commonly used to improve quality in manufacturing but rarely seen in the consumer products sector. Maidstone produces more than 60 million donuts per week and wanted to ensure top quality while making sure its production operations were as efficient as possible. Dyadem has helped Maidstone significantly reduce costs while improving quality at its 400,000 square foot facility in Brantford, Ontario. " ...

Via Dyadem: Product Failure Analysis Software

Lean Program Expansion Supports Increased Cash Flow at Sealy

Sealy reports good performance in its first quarter. An increase in costs was offset by continued improvements in manufacturing efficiencies, through its lean program. ...

... "This, combined with the start-up of our new domestic latex facility, the further integration of the new North American management team, and the expansion of our lean manufacturing program, should allow Sealy to continue to grow its market share and cash flow. " ...

Via Sealy Inc.: First Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results