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Lean Manufacturing Focus

In order to expand our ability to create value for our customers, CBT is committed to the lean philosophy of engaging the entire workforce in continuous improvement (Kaizen) in all facets of our business.

Winner: 2008 Shingo Bronze Medal

Lean philosophy starts with the idea of defining value from the eyes of our customer. Using that definition anything that does not create value for our customer is defined as waste. Waste impedes our pursuit of providing the exact product or service at the exact time it is required.

Every part. Every task. Everyday. At the heart of our efforts are talented people trained in lean methodologies who skillfully find innovative and sustainable waste eliminating solutions. Improvements often come in small packages however these little improvements build upon one another and quickly have real impact to our customer. Our Quick Kaizen program encourages all team members to drive continuous improvement.

Any Value Stream in which people take raw materials and/or information and transform this into customer value is inherently wasteful. Lean tools provide the best means for us to clearly see and relentlessly eliminate waste, improving Quality Cost and Delivery.

Quality

We exploit wherever possible mistake proofing opportunities to ensure that product / information is fit for use at the next operation. Employees are authorized and encouraged to “stop work” when non-conforming conditions exist, providing the best chance to uncover primary causes and deploy robust solutions.

Cost

Wasted time and effort adds cost to all members of the value stream. Value Steam Mapping is a lean tool that is used frequently to shed light on areas of opportunity. Continuous removal of waste keeps downward pressure on costs and increases are ability to provide value to our customers.

Delivery

Improved information and material flow creates a more agile environment, equipped to respond to rapidly changing demand. For example, Lean Workcells are a common feature of our manufacturing environment. These Workcells are characterized by point of use material storage, standard work practices are observed and a cadence is developed that match customer demand and fosters a smooth flow of material to our customer.