The Manufacturer
Winter 2011

In this Issue...

Mura, Muri & Muda
We most often tackle what is considered to be the major focal point of any Lean enterprise: the complete elimination of waste. These wastes, for any manufacturing environment, are often expressed with an easy to remember acronym such as D-O-W-N-T-I-M-E.  Read on >>

What I've Learned...
Selim Noujaim, Connecticut State Representative
I got into politics by coincidence. I had no intention of running, but the Republican leadership asked me to do so. I won my first election and have been in office since 2002.  Read on >>

Becoming Lean in a Whole New Way
It's a little known fact, but most manufacturing employees gain 5-15 pounds over the holiday season. From Labor Day to New Years Eve, events such as staff pot lucks, late holiday parties, and increased trips to the candy dish are making manufacturing workers across the US fatter and sicker each year. Many employees can attest that since becoming a dedicated worker, their waistlines have gotten larger and their health poorer, and the holidays are no help.  Read on >>

Leaning Toward the Future
As BNB Manufacturing diversified in scope and product line, the company saw the need to adapt to the growing competition in their broadening market. Bernie and his management team recognized that increasing efficiency and reducing costs depended on implementing Lean initiatives while upholding a high standard of quality for all products. While several staff members had undergone some training in Lean Manufacturing approaches, a BNB customer introduced the management team to the value of adopting Lean practices on a company wide level.  Read on >>

Visual Systems:  Now You See Them... Then You Don't?
Years ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I worked for a company where there was signage that reminded everyone to complete and submit their time cards on a daily basis. With government contacts, it was a requirement and we were often audited. There was a sign located at the front door and another sign at the exit to the parking lot for good measure. The message was unmistakable. And the signs worked well. Everyone was on board and submitted time cards as required.  More >>