Workplace ergonomics is important to AUMA Reister GmbH & Co. KG, an international manufacturer of electric valve actuators and valve gearboxes for 50 years. This is because its workers often need to handle large or heavy components of these products.
Some manufacturers do more than just practice lean manufacturing. They help other manufacturers achieve it. A good example is Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Co., which recently helped Cummins Inc. improve lean practices at one of its engine manufacturing plants in South Carolina.
Bradford White Corp. is unique among its competitors in two ways. First and foremost is its business model, which prevents the sale of the company’s water heaters directly to consumers or commercial businesses. Heaters are only sold to licensed plumbers at various supply houses to ensure proper and safe water heater installation, and to prevent code violations.
Some of the world’s finest racing, performance and luxury cars feature wheels manufactured by HRE Performance Wheels, based in Vista, CA. HRE specializes in built-to-order wheel sets of one- or three-piece forged aluminum wheels.
BERLIN—Festo Corp. has invented a pneumatic conveyor belt that uses wave action to transport objects in a targeted manner and sort them at the same time.
Ergonomics is good for plant workers as well as plant profitability. A good example of this can be found at the Westbrooke, ME, plant of SIGCO Inc., a glass and architectural metal fabricator and distributor.
