Education Key to Manufacturing Future

Six Sigma Manufacturing Excellence Recognized

The Indianapolis, Indiana based plant of General Cable is recognized for its manufacturing excellence across multiple dimensions. The company culture built on a foundation of principles and uses lean and Six Sigma methods to eliminate waste and defects. ...

... "General Cable was chosen out of 32 companies, who were actually chosen out of 165 other facilities across North America who were nominated as leaders in their industries. " ...

Via Terra Haute Tribune Star: Best Plant in America

Six Sigma Performance Program Provides Quality of Service Guarantee

TagSYS and IBM collaborate to support pharmaceutical e-pedigree. TagSys brings Six Sigma quality to the table with guaranteed quality of service. ...

... "TAGSYS will provide customers with the same expertise and architecture used in its Six Sigma Performance Program, a quality-of-service program that guarantees fewer than four failures in one million read opportunities. " ...

Via IBM: IBM and TAGSYS Team on Serialization Pilot Kit for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Lean Manufacturing Excellence Recognition for Medical Diagnostics Company

Ventana Medical Systems is awarded the National Award for Manufacturing Excellence from the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). The award is in recognition of the utilization of strategies and techniques that improve competitiveness and profitability. ...

... "We are very proud to be the recipient of this award, which places us as a leader in lean systems methodologies regionally, nationally and within the diagnostics industry. Our lean manufacturing initiatives, which are supported by a culture of continuous improvement, are just one of the many ways we strive every day to constantly improve upon quality, productivity and profitability throughout all levels of our global organization. " ...

Via Ventana Medical Systems: Ventana Medical Systems to Receive National Award for Manufacturing Excellence from the AME

Six Sigma Certification

Nexergy manufacturing and quality engineers have been certified as Six Sigma Black Belts. ...

... "Jon Krug, quality manager and senior manufacturing engineer for Nexergy, completed his Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Mitch Matheny, who was hired this summer by Nexergy as manufacturing engineer, earned his certification prior to joining the company. Both participated in the rigorous Six Sigma education process that includes many hours of classroom training as well as work on an applied project. " ...

Via Nexergy: Managers Earn Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Manufacturing Excellence Recognition

Oracle customers - Avago Technologies, Batesville Casket and Hologic - are recognized for their manufacturing excellence at the third annual Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards Program, presented by Managing Automation. ...

... "The Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards Program recognizes 50 companies that have achieved distinction in at least one of the eight core disciplines defined by Managing Automation as critical to business success in the years ahead. These disciplines include: Business Model Mastery, Customer Mastery, Supply Network Mastery, Data & Integration Mastery, Innovation Mastery, Training & Education Mastery, Leadership (new), and Operational Excellence (new). " ...

Via Oracle: 2007 Progressive Manufacturing 50

Minitab Recognized For Six Sigma in Manufacturing

Minitab is recognized by Frost and Sullivan with its Award for Customer Value Leadership of the Year in the quality compliance, manufacturing productivity and statistical process control market. ...

... "Using the Minitab packages, customers have been able to achieve a greater degree of standardization in their quality improvement projects, which in turn has made these projects easy to supervise and manage. This has minimized the amount of resources required to complete individual projects and saved companies time and money at the overall project level. In addition to reducing costs, Minitab software has enabled project leaders to easily access more information at various crucial stages of a project, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Minitab's wide set of customer services and allied support activities are other competitive advantages that differentiate it from other participants. The company boasts of a strong technical support suite that provides free assistance to its users and helps identify customers' most recent requirements, thereby obtaining their confidence. Minitab's recently released Minitab(R) 15 Statistical Software includes very useful enhancements, such as probability distribution plots, broader Gage R&R capabilities, the ability to attach formulas to columns in the worksheet and the latest reliability methods for forecasting future warranty claims. " ...

Via Frost & Sullivan: Frost & Sullivan Extols Minitab Inc. for Its Ability in Assisting Customers to Make Optimum Utilization of their Resources

Arizona Manufacturers Think Lean

Arizona manufacturing base retools for efficiency, using lean principles to compete globally. Manufacturing leaders are recognized for their performance. ...

... "As a result, many Arizona manufacturers are working on retooling both their staffs and machinery, he said. Now they're thinking in lean manufacturing terms, he said. Is your supply chain moving things efficiently? " ...

Via EastValleyTribune: Arizona Manufacturing

Manufacturing Excellence: Pierce Recognized

Pierce, an Oshkosh subsidiary, is recognized with Wisconsin manufacturer of year award ...

... "In 2006, Pierce opened an $18 million, 130,000-square-foot production facility expansion. The expansion was spurred by strong growth in the fire, rescue and homeland security apparatus industry. The development provides Pierce with additional capacity to meet this growing demand, help enhance quality, reduce lead times for customers, and streamline manufacturing processes in line with the company's lean manufacturing initiative. It also positions the company for future growth opportunities. " ...

Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing, Named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year

Lean Practices Local Training

Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership will offer training and consulting in lean practices to local businesses. ...

... "Local resident Fritz Dramm has joined the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership as a manufacturing specialist. In this role, he will help area small and mid-size manufacturers implement strategies to boost competitiveness and profitability. " ...

Via Manitowoc Herald Times: Read

Lean Manufacturing Accounting Principles Discussed in Webinar

In upcoming webinar, Infor will discuss how companies can ensure their accounting practices support their lean initiatives. The webinar is called: Cost Accounting & Financial Accounting Contradictions that Undermine Your Lean Manufacturing Success. The webinar will be held February 28, 2007 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT, hosted by Mike Frichol, CPIM, Vice President, Global Industry & Product Marketing, Infor. Registration. ...

... "Today's manufacturing landscape is riddled with demand fluctuations, pricing and compliance pressures, and ever-extending supply chains. In an effort to improve efficiency in their manufacturing facilities, many companies have implemented Lean processes to achieve significant production performance gains. However, there is a largely unrecognized need to introduce revised costing and management accounting methods that provide a more realistic financial view of performance within a Lean context. " ...

Via Infor: Infor Webinar Highlights Accounting Principles That Drive Lean Initiatives Throughout the Enterprise

Lean Training Goes On Tour

Lean culture differentiates Japanese from US companies.

... "Instead of paying people to retire, a likely Japanese alternative would be to put people on kaizen (continuous improvement) teams, capitalizing on their experience and problem solving potential instead of paying them to stay at home. ... World Class Manufacturing is not a short-term concept. Justifying the hard work and application of resources to the improvement process is difficult if the focus is on quarterly reports. A fundamentally change in the way success is measured must be adopted if our economy is to remain viable and sustainable. " ...

Toyota Continues their March Past US Automakers: Lean Enterprise Training Announces Six City Tour Kicks off in Oregon ...

Solectron Lean Manufacturing Success at Guadalajara

Solectron Corporation's Guadalajara, Mexico facility wins the 2007 Shingo Business Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Solectron Guadalajara is recognized for demonstrating Lean Six Sigma leadership through operational and process improvements in quality, productivity and efficiency. ...

... "Underscoring the customer value of the Solectron Production System(TM), Solectron's Lean Six Sigma manufacturing methodology, Solectron Guadalajara demonstrated manufacturing excellence, including a significant focus on continuous improvement processes. The entire facility and its employees operate within the company-wide Kaizen culture of continuous improvement, which is at the heart of the Solectron Production System, or SPS. SPS helps OEMs improve quality and efficiency, reduce waste, lower cost and improve flexibility. " ...

Via Solectron: Solectron Receives Prestigious Shingo Award for Lean Manufacturing Excellence ...

SixSigma Manufacturing Supports Company Growth Plan

Boston-Power completes funding to fuel its growth through next-generation, lithium-ion notebook computer batteries. The company has demonstrated Six Sigma performance at its China manufacturing site. ...

... "Boston-Power is led by Founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, a recognized strategist, technology advisor and authority in the global battery industry. Lampe-Onnerud has assembled a world-class team with more than 100 years of combined experience in lithium-ion technology and manufacturing, consumer electronics sales and intellectual property patent law. Headquartered in Westborough, Mass., the company has Six Sigma-level manufacturing operations in Shenzhen, China. " ...

Via Boston-Power: Boston-Power fuels expansion with $15.6 million in series B financing

Plant Reliability: Six Sigma FMEA

Reliability excellence builds on simple foundation of Six Sigma concepts, such as failure mode and effects analysis ...

... "Patterned after Six Sigma, the concept of reliability excellence includes tools specifically designed to identify and manage risks, including environmental, health and safety. The process begins with a thorough simplified failure modes and effects analysis (SFMEA). " ...

Via Plant Services: Reliability

Boeing Lean Recognition: Continuous Improvement Performance

Boeing's Space and Intelligence Systems division receives California Award for Performance Excellence, Gold Level award in recognition of its high performance in continuous improvement efforts. ...

... "Howard Chambers, S&IS vice president and general manager: S&IS is comprised of several organizations obtained through mergers and acquisitions, and we've made it a priority to merge processes and procedures in order to improve competitiveness and leverage lean manufacturing, six sigma and other initiatives. The Gold award validates that we are on the right path toward overall business excellence and symbolizes our commitment to flawless program execution. " ...

Via Boeing: Boeing Receives Top Award for California Performance Excellence

Operating Excellence: Lean Experienced Executive

New chief operating officer at MD Helicopters has an extensive background in lean manufacturing and operational excellence. ...

... "Ted Gee comes to MDHI from Ingersoll Rand, Inc. where he was VP of Operational Excellence/Lean Promotion Officer. He held a senior position at Pulte Homes Sciences where he was President and GM. Prior to that, Ted spent 9 years with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. His tenure at Harley was during their big turn-around in the mid-90's which was driven by a variety of lean manufacturing initiatives resulting in significant improvements in costs, quality and deliverables. His last position there was as Director of Manufacturing for their Sportster Division which introduced and manufactured the new VROD motorcycle. Ted has received a variety of certifications in lean manufacturing and six sigma and received training in Japan. " ...

Via MD Helicopters: MDHI APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVES
...

Manufacturing Excellence: Welders Learn Lean

Company uses training program to manage through constraints in its manufacturing workforce. ...

... "Students spend two days a week in hands-on training at Jensen's shop and three days in the classroom, learning blueprint reading, measurements and Manufacturing Excellence concepts, like lean manufacturing. " ...

Via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Read

Manufacturing Excellence Keynote at Engineering Conference ...

Lean manufacturing expert will keynote upcoming engineering conference. ...

... "Izzy Galicia, Vice President of Client Services for The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) will keynote Collaborate 2006 being held October 10th – 12th in Huntsville, Alabama. The conference is hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) in partnership with the Alabama Aerospace Industry Association and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. Mr. Galicia and Manex are well known for their work helping enterprises transform their organizations through Lean Manufacturing. As part of a panel of industry leaders, Mr. Galicia and executives from Toyota, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman will kick off the event by sharing an industry perspective on innovative technology applications and processes, including Lean Manufacturing, supply chain integration, and workforce development. " ...

Via Manex: Shingo Award-Winning Lean Expert, Izzy Galicia, to Keynote SME Collaborate 2006 Conference ...

Automotive Manufacturing: Kaizen Methodology

Bentley manufacturing event will examine success through methods such as kaizen. ...

... "At Bentley on 18 October, manufacturing managers from across Britain will be examining how attaining high levels of production excellence by applying world class standards and techniques like Japanese-inspired kaizen methodology can lift the sector out of the doldrums. They will also have the opportunity to visit the Bentley production line. " ...

Via The Manufacturing Alliance: The exclusive network for senior management in engineering ...

Human Resource Supports Lean Manufacturing ...

Human resources and the incentives that motivate employees enable successful organizations and support lean manufacturing excellence. ...

... "Manufacturing jobs often involve complex and dangerous machinery, said Ketchen. In high-performing companies, the services that the human resource function provides, such as safety and training, support other programs such as quality management and lean manufacturing systems to make sure that workers are safe, motivated and productive. " ...

Human Resource Supports Lean Manufacturing: Via Reliable Plant: Research shows cutting employee incentives hurts

Lean Pharma Evolution ...

Survey shows pharma industry implementation of lean six sigma is evolving slowly. ...

... "Despite its huge popularity in the automotive and high-tech industries, Lean Manufacturing hasn't experienced the same high success rate in the pharmaceuticals industry, where complex process manufacturing processes are used. This is according to the results of a recent survey of more than 1,500 pharmaceutical manufacturers conducted by Invistics, a developer of manufacturing performance optimization solutions for complex, asset-intensive industries.


The recently conducted 2006 survey showed that while more than half of the respondents said their companies have implemented Lean, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence, less than half of those Lean initiatives have produced satisfactory results. This is due to the fundamental complexities of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, which produce challenges not found in simple high-volume manufacturing plants that can dedicate production equipment to specific product lines, such as automobiles and computers. " ...

Via Invistics: Traditional Lean Manufacturing May Not Be Rx for Pharmaceutical Companies ...

Kaizen Passion: Ingredient for Manufacturing Excellence ...

You know you are on the path to excellence when the workforce exhibits these behaviors after a kaizen event ...

... "when empowered, fully-engaged machine operators extol the results of a recent kaizen event and cite the time and money they've saved the plant, the company and the customer. " ...

Via IndustryWeek : Editor's Page -- Building A Passion For Manufacturing Excellence

Lean Manufacturing Medical Firm: Recognized Best Place to Work ...

Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. is recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of the 2006 Best Places to Work, for creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of employee satisfaction, working conditions and company culture. ...

... "This recognition from the Boston Business Journal is one of four notable awards Aspect Medical has received in 2006. In May, Aspect Medical was named one of the Boston Globe's Top 100 Companies. The Globe 100 ranks the best-performing publicly traded Massachusetts-based corporations using criteria including sales growth, profit, and positive returns for shareholders during 2005. In April, Aspect Medical was awarded the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing, hailed as the Nobel Prize for manufacturing by BusinessWeek magazine. Aspect Medical also received the 2006 HR Medallion award in recognition of outstanding human resource practices that support lean manufacturing. One Shingo Prize winner is awarded the HR Medallion each year. Aspect Medical was chosen by demonstrating human resources strategies and programs that improve retention. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Medical Firm: Recognized Best Place to Work: Via Aspect Medical Systems: Aspect Medical Systems Recognized as One of the 2006 Best Places to Work by the Boston Business Journal; Award Follows Recognition as one of Boston Globe's Top 100 Companies ...

SixSigma Recognition: FreudenburgNOK by Ford ...

Freudenburg NOK is recognized by Ford for its innovative use of DFSS Design for Six Sigma in the pre-production process of automotive component manufacturing. ...

... "In honor of the Technology Specialist's quality efforts, Freudenberg-NOK recently received a Recognition of Achievement Award from Ford Motor Co. for its consumer-driven Six Sigma accomplishments. The award is part of the automaker's World Excellence Awards program, which recognizes suppliers who not only achieve the highest levels of cost, quality and delivery, but who also embrace the vision to build Ford's legacy and drive innovation to new heights. The Recognition of Achievement Award, earned by only nine suppliers in 2005, honors suppliers who impact customer satisfaction by providing significant contributions in key designated areas including: environmental leadership, consumer-focused technology and consumer-driven Six Sigma.

Freudenberg-NOK's Advanced Vibration and Acoustics (AVA) group was charged with optimizing the sealing isolation system and the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics for a cam cover design. AVA has developed techniques to synergize sealing and NVH, which are typically opposing phenomena. Utilizing Design for Six Sigma techniques, the Freudenberg-NOK engineering team improved the product pre-production, also optimizing cost savings and increasing customer value. Six Sigma, which focuses on measuring quality and allowing for no more than 3.4 defects per million parts, is one of the pillars of Freudenberg-NOK's Growtth program focused on superior quality, service and productivity. Freudenberg-NOK has 61 Six Sigma black belts on staff and has completed 155 Six Sigma projects to drive superior quality, enhance reliability and help automakers and tier one customers to reduce costs. " ...

Six Sigma Recognition: FreudenburgNOK by Ford: Via Freudenberg-NOK: Freudenberg-NOK Recognized for Six Sigma Achievement by Ford Motor Co ...

Lean 5S Tool Upgraded ...

Lean Toolkit upgraded ...

... "Kaizen Products LLC released its 5S ActionPack product upgrade. Designed to serve those getting started in Toyota Production System methods, the $349.00 multi-media training kit is now available. The 5S principles are a fundamental tool of the Toyota Production System, recognized world wide as a model of operational excellence. The 5S practice of Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardize and Self-Discipline are essential to establishing and maintain safety, quality, on-time delivery and productivity in any workplace. " ...

Lean 5S Tool Upgraded: Kaizen Products Releases 5S ActionPack Upgrade – Designed for the Lean Manufacturing DIY Market, New Version Contains Quick Reference Guides, Wallet Cards and Red Tags ...

Six Sigma Debottlenecks ...

Tom Gray, business manager with SKC Films, discusses his firm's positioning for growth and operation excellence. ...

... "On the manufacturing side, we introduced Six Sigma, focusing on streamlining to free up bottlenecks in capacity, which also helps reduce cost. " ...

Six Sigma Debottlenecks: Via Converting Magazine: Industry suppliers take the stand

Kaizen Events Kickoff Operational Excellence 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 ...

Lean Software Replaces Purchase Orders ...

Timken implements Ultriva lean software to eliminate purchase orders and pull materials into the production process. ...

... "The implementation follows the Timken Kunsebeck plant's successful pilot with Ultriva's lean software across three of its suppliers, which began in May 2005. Implementing Ultriva's lean manufacturing software, which replaced traditional purchase order processes, has already resulted in lead-time reductions of more than 30 percent, the elimination of many stock-outs and significant inventory reductions. Based on pilot results, Timken's Kunsebeck plant is targeting a 20 percent reduction in inventory and inventory carrying costs in 2006. The company also anticipates significant reductions in expediting, storage space, lead times, and overtime, as well as increased buyer and planner productivity. " ...

Lean Software Replaces Purchase Orders: Via Ultriva: Timken Deploys Ultriva Lean Manufacturing Software In Its European Automotive Division ...

Lean Manufacturing Shingo Prize: Raytheon ...

Raytheon units continue their tradition of lean manufacturing excellence through achievement of the Shingo Prize. ...

... "Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) has demonstrated continued success in manufacturing excellence as two business centers were announced as recipients of the prestigious regional Shingo Prize for excellence in lean manufacturing. Dubbed the Nobel prize of Manufacturing by Business Week, the Shingo Prize is recognized as the premier manufacturing award and recognition program in North America and honors companies that demonstrate a commitment to lean through the implementation and execution of lean manufacturing strategies to drive superior quality, value and enterprise-wide results. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Shingo Prize: Raytheon: Via Raytheon: Two Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Centers Receive Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence ...

Six Sigma: Operating Efficiencies Support Earnings Growth by Manitowoc ...

Manitowoc has an excellent quarter supported by Six Sigma operational efficiencies ...

... "Excellence in Operations: We will continue to improve our processes, which will yield better products. Improved operating efficiencies from enterprise-wide adoption of global sourcing strategies, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, and other methodologies will generate more competitive costs, better quality, faster deliveries, and improved safety. " ...

Six Sigma: Operating Efficiencies Support Earnings Growth by Manitowoc: Via Manitowoc Company: Manitowoc First - Quarter 2006 Sales and Earnings Set Company Record ...

Lean Manufacturing Seminar: Operational Excellence 101

Upcoming lean manufacturing seminar ...

... "The Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence, part of Saint Vincent College's Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government will present Operational Excellence 101 - Lean Manufacturing Seminar on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13. The event will be co-sponsored by the Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center and is designed to educate those companies seeking to develop an integrated approach to their operations. " ...

Operational Excellence 101 - Lean Manufacturing seminar at Saint Vincent College - Via Saint Vincent College

Manufacturing Excellence Recognized: Shingo Prize ...

Autoliv production system recognized for manufacturing excellence, with the Shingo Prize. ...

... "Autoliv Inc. – the worldwide leader in automotive safety – announced that its Promontory Facility in Utah has received the 2006 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.

Through the application of the Autoliv Production System, the facility has reduced process lead time by 69%, reduced customer ppm to zero, increased production efficiency to 99%, reduced inventory by 68%, reduced overhead by 38% and improved LMPU by 45%. During this same time, the Autoliv Promontory Facility has received numerous awards for outstanding safety and environmental practices. Some of those practices include developing a process to disassociate explosives back into their constituent raw materials. By using this process, the facility has not only recovered copper to sell on the open market, but has also eliminated over 150,000 lbs. of hazardous waste per year from being burned. " ...

Manufacturing Excellence Recognized: Shingo Prize: Autoliv Promontory Facility Receives Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing ...

Lean Strategy Takes Time ...

Report shows the benefits of Lean, but implementing the strategy takes time ...

... "The benefits are clear, but manufacturers adopting Lean strategies must be in it for the long haul because pervasive use of Lean processes and the resulting performance improvement take time, according to the results of Aberdeen's survey. " ...

Lean Strategy Takes Time: The Lean Strategies Benchmark Report: Manufacturing Excellence Moves to the Value Chain by Infor Global Solutions - Analyst Report - Via InformationWeek White Papers