Is Manufacturing Dead in America? March 29, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing.Tags: manufacturing
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According to popular perception, there is no such thing as American manufacturing anymore. But according to Michael Newkirk, writing at IndustryWeek, this is clearly not true. The United States is still the leading manufacturer in the world, and the third largest exporter. Among other facts Michael presents is that in 2008, America exported $5.5 trillion in manufactured goods, up 30% from 2000.
For these and other heartening data, please read Michael’s article here.
Box-Swap Process Helps GM-Fort Wayne Keep on Truckin’ March 29, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in automotive, manufacturing.Tags: automotive, manufacturing
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The Fort Wayne, Indiana General Motors plant has developed an interesting approach to handle new large truck designs too big for its existing factory conveyance system. Trucks of different sizes that are ordered in the same color are paired together and their cabs and beds are switched for painting. Then they are returned to the proper vehicles. These and other innovative solutions to problems have made the plant highly successful.
To read more about this innovative solution to a vexing problem, click here.
The Benefits of Lean IT in Manufacturing March 29, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in lean office, manufacturing.Tags: lean office, manufacturing
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Lean isn’t just something for car manufacturing and business organization. It can also be applied to IT. An article by Steve Minter at IndustryWeek highlights the lean efforts of Ryan King, director of information technology at ARPAC. King explains that a lean IT system can mean better production methods. For example, instead of having to fill out paperwork to request more parts, employees can simply scan a barcode identifying which parts are needed.
To read the IndustryWeek article about implementing lean in IT, head on over here.
“The Speed and Flexibility is Breathtaking” –But in a Good Way? March 29, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, workforce.Tags: manufacturing, outsourcing, workforce
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Mark Graban’s Lean Blog post about how iPhones, iPods, and other electronic devices are being produced in China under horrible conditions to workers. 12-hour shifts and 8,000 Chinese workers can produce 10,000 iPhones per day. Chinese workers live at factories in small rooms with bunk beds that reach as many as fifteen high. When Apple prepares to launch a new product, 12-hour shifts become 16-hour shifts. Employees regularly become injured, and/or die on the production lines. And Apple doesn’t do as much as it should to stop such abuse.
Check out Mark’s informative post here.
Embrace the Principles of Next-Generation Manufacturing, and Prosper February 27, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing.Tags: manufacturing
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U.S. manufacturers face a host of challenges in the 21st Centurty. Among those are shortages of skilled workers and a competitive global market. Companies that wish to succeed in the next generation of manufacturing must be connected to the global economy, use technology to help boost production, and attract, develop, and retain talent. These, and other factors, will all contribute to a dynamic, global market, ensuring success.
Check out the other principles of next-generation manufacturing here.
Lean Chickens, 1, Fat Lions, 0 February 27, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in lean, manufacturing, strategy, supply chain.Tags: lean, manufacturing, strategy, supply chain
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Bill Waddell presents an interesting study of production. Golden Bear, Ltd., has received the contract to produce Pride the Lion, the official mascot of the British Olympic Team. Pride is being produced in China because it has been argued that he is too expensive to produce elsewhere. Pride retails for $20. Meanwhile, Montana-based American company West Paw Design makes a sustainable, fluffy product called a Spring Chicken that is larger than Pride –and it retails for $14. The difference? Lean-based West Paw oversees everything itself, while Pride must be overseen by offices in both London and China.
For Bill’s very thought-provoking article, head here.
Kaizen on the Boeing 737 Line February 27, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing.Tags: manufacturing
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Mark Graban at Lean Blog highlights a Wall Street Journal article about the lean efforts of Boeing. Demand for Boeing’s aircraft is up 70%, so Boeing has turned to its workforce for ideas. One of the workers came up with a canvas cover to shield wheels on the assembly line from accidental punctures, saving Boeing $10,000 a tire.
Read the rest of Mark’s post to see what else Boeing has managed, here.
GE Opens New Plant, Says ‘Lean’ Helps Make U.S. Manufacturing Competitive February 27, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in green business, manufacturing.Tags: green business, manufacturing
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General Electric, which once considered selling off its appliances division, has redoubled its efforts and has invested in its appliances division and in U.S. manufacturing. A new hybrid water heater plant has opened in Louisville, Kentucky –the first in more than fifty years. New wage structures, the implementation of lean, and the development of a one-team mentality culture are serving that new operation well.
For the IndustryWeek review of General Electric’s new operations, head here.
It’s a Man vs. Machine Recovery January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, workforce.Tags: manufacturing, workforce
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While U.S. companies produce almost one quarter more goods today than it did in 1999, companies have been relying more and more on machines. Opinions vary. Some say that machines lead to wider unemployment. Others say that machines lead to greater productivity, and therefore, more wealth. Another problem with company production is a lack of demand. Machines can churn out products cheaper, meeting targets for smaller demand. But greater demand would mean companies hiring more people.
For the Bloomberg Business article, head on over here.
It’s a Man vs. Machine Recovery January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, workforce.Tags: manufacturing, workforce
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While U.S. companies produce almost one quarter more goods today than it did in 1999, companies have been relying more and more on machines. Opinions vary. Some say that machines lead to wider unemployment. Others say that machines lead to greater productivity, and therefore, more wealth. Another problem with company production is a lack of demand. Machines can churn out products cheaper, meeting targets for smaller demand. But greater demand would mean companies hiring more people.
For the Bloomberg Business article, head on over here.
Top 10 Survival Tips for Manufacturers January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in customer focus, manufacturing.Tags: customer focus, manufacturing
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Difficult economic times, rising costs, and global competition make staying ahead of the pack a tricky challenge for manufacturers. Guy Morgan, managing director of BBK Southfield, has some excellent advice. It includes differentiating your products (many companies only offer more of the same), maintaining quality (companies deliver far too many defective products), and diversifying consumer bases.
Head on over to read Mr. Morgan’s insightful tips here.
Top 10 Survival Tips for Manufacturers January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in customer focus, manufacturing.Tags: customer focus, manufacturing
add a comment
Difficult economic times, rising costs, and global competition make staying ahead of the pack a tricky challenge for manufacturers. Guy Morgan, managing director of BBK Southfield, has some excellent advice. It includes differentiating your products (many companies only offer more of the same), maintaining quality (companies deliver far too many defective products), and diversifying consumer bases.
Head on over to read Mr. Morgan’s insightful tips here.
Wanted: Blue Collar Workers January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, workforce.Tags: manufacturing, workforce
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In an article at City Journal, Joel Kotkin writes that the apparent industrial demise in America is actually not true: companies are desperately seeking skilled workers, because the current crop of workers are getting older, and are retiring. Mr. Kotkin notes that the number of manufacturing jobs are actually rising –though slowly –and with them, the demand for skilled workers intensifies. Among the industries that need skilled workers are oil and natural gas, as well as the automotive industry. Part of the problem is an overabundance of college-educated adults with no industrial skills.
For Mr.Kotkin’s excellent article, head on over here.
Wanted: Blue Collar Workers January 30, 2012
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, workforce.Tags: manufacturing, workforce
add a comment
In an article at City Journal, Joel Kotkin writes that the apparent industrial demise in America is actually not true: companies are desperately seeking skilled workers, because the current crop of workers are getting older, and are retiring. Mr. Kotkin notes that the number of manufacturing jobs are actually rising –though slowly –and with them, the demand for skilled workers intensifies. Among the industries that need skilled workers are oil and natural gas, as well as the automotive industry. Part of the problem is an overabundance of college-educated adults with no industrial skills.
For Mr.Kotkin’s excellent article, head on over here.
Will the U.S. Finally Get a National Manufacturing Strategy? June 2, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in government, manufacturing.Tags: government, manufacturing
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America has lost 5.5 million manufacturing jobs over the past decade, and members of Congress are now introducing legislation to require the development of a national manufacturing strategy to curtail the trend. Representative Dan Lipinski and Senator Sherrod Brown have sponsored bills that have gained support on both sides of the political aisle to help America keep its competitive edge. America recently lost its title as the leading goods producer in the world to China –a loss that cannot be taken lightly.
Read the IndustryWeek article here.
Will the U.S. Finally Get a National Manufacturing Strategy? June 2, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in government, manufacturing.Tags: government, manufacturing
add a comment
America has lost 5.5 million manufacturing jobs over the past decade, and members of Congress are now introducing legislation to require the development of a national manufacturing strategy to curtail the trend. Representative Dan Lipinski and Senator Sherrod Brown have sponsored bills that have gained support on both sides of the political aisle to help America keep its competitive edge. America recently lost its title as the leading goods producer in the world to China –a loss that cannot be taken lightly.
Read the IndustryWeek article here.
The Happiest Man in Detroit April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in automotive, lean, manufacturing.Tags: automotive, lean, manufacturing
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In an article at Bloomberg Businessweek, the ongoing efforts of Ford CEO Alan Mulally to transform Ford from a bankrupt company into the world’s most profitable automaker are examined. Not only has Ford continually beat the predictions of analysts, but its stock has soared to a 9-year high. Among the things Mulally did was to target new and emerging markets, as well as adjusting available products for existing markets.
Check out the Bloomberg Businessweek write up here.
The Happiest Man in Detroit April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in automotive, lean, manufacturing.Tags: automotive, lean, manufacturing
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In an article at Bloomberg Businessweek, the ongoing efforts of Ford CEO Alan Mulally to transform Ford from a bankrupt company into the world’s most profitable automaker are examined. Not only has Ford continually beat the predictions of analysts, but its stock has soared to a 9-year high. Among the things Mulally did was to target new and emerging markets, as well as adjusting available products for existing markets.
Check out the Bloomberg Businessweek write up here.
787 Dreamliner Teaches Boeing Costly Lesson on Outsourcing April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, supply chain.Tags: manufacturing, offshoring, outsourcing, supply chain
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The Los Angeles Times reports that Boeing, which outsourced labor and material around the world, is losing money on the 787 Dreamliner. The plan was to use one factory near Seattle to gather together the parts produced around the world, and assemble them. But early on, problems emerged –from parts that didn’t fit to shortages of parts altogether. Because of this, the airliner is 3 years late and almost one billion dollars over budget.
Check out the L.A. Times article here.
787 Dreamliner Teaches Boeing Costly Lesson on Outsourcing April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, supply chain.Tags: manufacturing, offshoring, outsourcing, supply chain
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The Los Angeles Times reports that Boeing, which outsourced labor and material around the world, is losing money on the 787 Dreamliner. The plan was to use one factory near Seattle to gather together the parts produced around the world, and assemble them. But early on, problems emerged –from parts that didn’t fit to shortages of parts altogether. Because of this, the airliner is 3 years late and almost one billion dollars over budget.
Check out the L.A. Times article here.
Workshop Tackles Extreme Manufacturing April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in economy, government, manufacturing.Tags: economy, government, manufacturing
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According to IndustryWeek, Washington is paying attention to manufacturing in America. A workshop meeting conducted by multiple government agencies discussed what technological advances would make American manufacturing more competitive in the future. Key to the workshops was focusing on technology, and thinking in terms of big strategy, rather than incremental tactics. Among the conclusions? Rethink government funding, which is aimed at mission objectives rather than economic growth, specifically.
Check out the article here.
Workshop Tackles Extreme Manufacturing April 20, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in economy, government, manufacturing.Tags: economy, government, manufacturing
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According to IndustryWeek, Washington is paying attention to manufacturing in America. A workshop meeting conducted by multiple government agencies discussed what technological advances would make American manufacturing more competitive in the future. Key to the workshops was focusing on technology, and thinking in terms of big strategy, rather than incremental tactics. Among the conclusions? Rethink government funding, which is aimed at mission objectives rather than economic growth, specifically.
Check out the article here.
Balancing Product Cost and Innovation February 21, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in Creativity & Innovation, manufacturing.Tags: Creativity & Innovation, manufacturing
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With product costs of manufacturing structure reaching as much as 80%, and with low-cost competitors continually arising in both established and emerging markets, innovation can be daunting. This is due to the fact that few organizations can innovate without raising costs. Among the solutions presented by the authors of the IndustryWeek article include creating a base product from which variations can be quickly made.
Check out the article here.
Balancing Product Cost and Innovation February 21, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in Creativity & Innovation, manufacturing.Tags: Creativity & Innovation, manufacturing
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With product costs of manufacturing structure reaching as much as 80%, and with low-cost competitors continually arising in both established and emerging markets, innovation can be daunting. This is due to the fact that few organizations can innovate without raising costs. Among the solutions presented by the authors of the IndustryWeek article include creating a base product from which variations can be quickly made.
Check out the article here.
The Assembly Plant of the Future February 21, 2011
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in manufacturing, Workplace Design.Tags: manufacturing
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The concept of mass production has taken root in the manufacturing world. Larger production facilities with greater machinery and a better return on investment are the sought-after standards. But globalization has had its impact. Diverse markets, increasing operational complexity, and other factors are leading automakers to focus on economy of scope rather than scale. Flexible marketing technologies and techniques will allow auto manufacturers to adapt and change production as regulations, new technology, and changing factors require them to. This sort of system –a fulfillment execution system –will incorporate a series of global production facilities as a single virtual factory.
Check out the Industry Week article here.
