Manufacture Smarter Blog

2/14/2014 - THE CENTER
If you did a Google search for Operational Excellence (OE), results would include over 10 million website hits, not including images and book reviews. Sometimes referred to as ‘world-class manufacturing’, the concept has been around for decades, and relates to well-run organizations of every type. And it’s no stranger to manufacturing.

10/18/2013 - THE CENTER
​Can you believe it’s already fourth business quarter? The year has flown by quicker than a witch on her broomstick. (Wow, we’re at that point of the year where Halloween puns are timely.) Anyway, the point I’m making is that the end of 2013 is rapidly approaching and 2014 will be here before you’re done saying “Trick or Treat.”

9/20/2013 - THE CENTER
Have you ever heard of Aesop’s Fables? If you’re unfamiliar, Aesop was a Greek story-teller, credited with sharing a number of short stories containing moral lessons for the listeners. There’s actually a famous fable that applies to manufacturing. It’s called, The Ant and the Grasshopper.

8/9/2013 - THE CENTER
Several recent articles surfaced surrounding Michigan manufacturing. American Axle needs 200 new workers, 100 more than originally anticipated . . . . .A Holland manufacturer set for $9 Million expansion, is adding jobs . . . Chrysler Group plans $52 Million dollar expansion . . . and so it grows. The only dissenting voice appears to be from Ford, which in the same email alert, says new plants unlikely. It’s not that Ford’s not growing, they are.

3/22/2013 - THE CENTER
Both Lean and Six Sigma are powerful tools, but when combined, they have the ability to transform a process and company culture, and catapult your company into a better way of doing business. As Michigan’s manufacturers see a “comeback” in American manufacturing, it’s crucial to implement initiatives that increase efficiencies.