VMA Manufacturers' Workshop focused on lean manufacturing.
Press Release Summary:
Held from April 25-27, VMA Manufacturers' Workshop welcomed more than 65 attendees and started off with tour of Boeing's Shigo Joint Direct Attack Munitions facility in St. Louis, MO. Ken Branco, President, REVV International, presented approach to Lean by examining 10 most prevalent transformation failure modes and what to do about them. Dr. Rajan Suri, Director, Center for Quick Response Manufacturing, presented overview and examples of how QRM reduces lead time.
Original Press Release:
Successful VMA Manufacturers' Workshop Tells The "Lean" Story
More than 65 attendees of the VMA Manufacturers' Workshop, held April 25-27, were treated to world-class demonstrations and presentations of today's most successful manufacturing technologies. The focus this year was on diverse examples of Lean and Quick Response Manufacturing.
The tour of Boeing's Shigo Prize-winning Joint Direct Attack Munitions facility in St. Louis, MO demonstrated various aspects of Lean Flow throughout an entire facility, highlighting the teamwork involved in Boeing's success. Immediately following the tour, a JDAM Production Manager presented "The JDAM Lean Story-Sharing Boeing's Lean Experience."
Tom Rose, Supplier Program Manager of Boeing's JDAM facility, kicked off the formal presentations with "Boeing's Supplier Partner Initiative." Rose explained how the close collaboration among the members of Boeing's supply chain directly contributes to Lean Flow success.
Ken Branco, President, R.E.V.V. International, presented a unique approach to Lean by examining the 10 most prevalent transformation failure modes-what to do about them-and when.
In a double session, Dr. Rajan Suri, Director, Center for Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), presented an overview and examples of how QRM reduces lead time in high variability, unpredictable or variable demand manufacturing. As the originator of QRM, Dr. Suri demonstrated how his unique approach both utilizes, and diverges from, various aspects of conventional Lean Manufacturing.
The keynote speaker, Norm Bodek, President, PCS Press Inc., "Godfather of Lean," concluded the workshop, electrifying attendees with his discussion of Toyota's two pillars of success: JIT/Lean and "Respect for People." Sharing his first-hand experiences and lessons learned from the giants of the Toyota Production System during his 66 visits to Japan, Bodek illustrated how simple it is to unleash the power of employees.
The VMA Manufacturers Workshop, held annually, is open to VMA members.
