New Lean Manufacturing Podcast Series Launched by Bosch Rexroth

BUCHANAN, MI--(Marketwire - March 12, 2008) - (www.boschrexroth-us.com/lean) Bosch Rexroth has launched the first episode in a new series of innovative and informative lean manufacturing podcasts available for listening or free download from the company's website at www.boschrexroth-us.com/leanpodcast.

The first episode, titled "Developing Front-line Supervisors to Succeed in a Lean Environment," features lean manufacturing expert Jamie Flinchbaugh, co-founder of the Lean Learning Center and co-author of the popular book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean." Flinchbaugh examines the critical role front-line supervisors play in helping their companies successfully implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices. He also discusses guidelines for ensuring that supervisors are effectively trained and supported to fulfill their roles in lean operations. All too often, he says, front-line supervisors who are expected to perform in a lean environment are not equipped with the specific skills they need compared to those used by traditional supervisors.

Developed by Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group, each eight- to ten-minute lean manufacturing podcast episode will present guest experts and information to help manufacturers and OEMs understand and apply lean principles and practices in their businesses.

"We want to give listeners a resource they can use to hear some unique and new approaches to lean techniques and principles," explained Kevin Gingerich, marketing manager. "With this lean manufacturing audio series we're going to show how to apply lean concepts in some fresh and unexpected ways, so OEMs and manufacturers can use lean more effectively to transform their companies' performance," he said.

Topics scheduled for future Rexroth lean manufacturing podcasts include discussions on applying lean principles to the engineering process, tips on designing manufacturing equipment for a lean environment, lean manufacturing case studies, and more.

Visit www.boschrexroth-us.com/lean for more information on lean manufacturing.

About Bosch Rexroth

For more information, visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.

Contact Information: Editorial Inquiries: Todd Walter Godfrey 717-393-383 ext 133 Kevin Gingerich Bosch Rexroth Corporation Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies 816 East Third Street Buchanan, MI 49107 Telephone (269) 697-5295 Fax (269) 695-5363