ATLANTA, May 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Defense & Space Systems Division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today its initial engagement with the Supplier Excellence Alliance (SEA). EMS is the first Georgia company to implement SEA's Lean Enterprise System.
SEA is a non-profit alliance formed by aerospace, defense, and space prime contractors, tier-one suppliers, and leading supplier companies dedicated to accelerating the development of supply chain capabilities that will ensure American competitiveness in their markets. The SEA Lean Enterprise System (LES) is a continuous improvement system that leverages lean production tools and techniques across a supplier's entire enterprise and provides common terminology and a roadmap for the industry.
During EMS's initial SEA engagement it will complete workshops and improvement events focused on leadership and culture, operational excellence and work force development to promote standard work -- all geared to help improve on-time delivery and quality, while reducing lead times and costs.
EMS D&SS develops advanced technology systems for military and space applications. The Division provides critical subsystems for wireless broadband communication, radar and electronic-warfare systems. The EMS D&SS Quality System meets the requirements of AS9100B and ISO 9001:2000. EMS D&SS also holds DSCC MIL-PRF-38534 QML Certification for Class H and K Hybrid Microcircuits.
"EMS senior leadership strongly supports the SEA initiative, which serves as the backbone of our lean manufacturing efforts," said David Smith, vice president and general manager, D&SS. "Both senior leaders and process owners have participated in the workshops and developed plans for Kaizen events in key areas."
Linda Cook, vice president of Quality & Lean for D&SS, who serves as the company's SEA continuous improvement champion, added, "The SEA Engagement has helped us focus on key areas of improvement through Kaizen events and the SEA Process Maturity Model. We have also benefited from customer involvement in SEA workshops. Our first LES Kaizen event, facilitated by SEA, resulted in a 72-percent reduction in total set-up time required for a new circuit card assembly on our surface-mount technology assembly machine."
Paul Roelofs, SEA's director of Communication, observed, "We applaud EMS Technologies, a critical RF supplier to defense prime contractors, for its commitment to continuous improvement through the SEA LES. Clearly, EMS already is reaping the benefits of improved efficiencies and productivity that will continue to grow over time as EMS partners with other SEA member companies to establish a common system framework."
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a wireless and satellite communication solutions leader, serving aeronautical, defense, maritime, commercial space and supply chain markets. Through its LXE, EMS SATCOM, and Defense & Space Systems divisions, EMS keeps people, systems and data connected, wherever they are -- on the ground, in the warehouse, in the air, or in space. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and operates major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and Ottawa, Canada.
EMS Defense & Space Systems (D&SS) Division enables many of today's most advanced military and commercial space applications. EMS microwave systems serve the battlespace in communications, surveillance, precision strike and electronic warfare. Its low-observable, compact, and high-performance RF systems work across all warfighter platforms -- from space, air, ground and sea, to the soldier traveling on foot. D&SS also provides antenna capabilities for next-generation commercial satellites for entertainment and Internet connectivity. D&SS's customers include the world's best defense and space companies.
For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.