EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation recently delivered a lean, 21-step assembly and test system to American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.

WICHITA, KS—Case New Holland’s assembly plant here is among the best of the best nationwide, according to an industry trade publication.

Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) does well as a stand-alone methodology for simplifying product designs and lowering production costs. However, DFMA should also be hailed as a pathway to lean manufacturing.

America’s manufacturing sector gained 14,000 jobs in February, according to the latest data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Manufacturers vigorously seek out best practices because they can improve metrics, such as stock price, sales and profitability. There’s only one problem: Best practices are the actions that solved yesterday’s problems.

Customers are demanding zero defects. Product quality has to be at the highest levels ever. Being “good enough” is no longer good enough.

The original Creform System of pipe and joints has helped manufacturers build material handling structures that support lean and continuous improvement programs. Now, the addition of Creform 42mm pipe and joints makes it faster and easier to design and build these structures while building them stronger without extensive bracing.

Today’s global marketplace requires manufacturers to profitably respond to the dynamics of market demand in a timely manner.

LONGVIEW, TX—After implementing lean manufacturing, the BorgWarner assembly plant here has increased profits, raised productivity, and improved employee health and morale.

Medtronic Inc. is a leading manufacturer of catheters, defibrillators, pacemakers, stents, valves, surgical instruments and other medical devices. The company operates state-of-the-art assembly plants around the world.