Contact Information: Editorial Inquiries: Todd Walter Godfrey 717-393-3831 twalter@godfrey.com Kevin Gingerich Bosch Rexroth Corporation Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies 816 East Third Street Buchanan, MI 49107 Telephone 269-697-5295 kevin.gingerich@boschrexroth-us.com
Bosch Rexroth Offers Tips on How Lean Principles Can Help Improve Sustainable Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing Shares Basic Objectives With Sustainability; by Utilizing Lean Principles, Companies Can Improve Both Their Manufacturing Efficiency and Environmental Impact
| Source: Bosch Rexroth
BUCHANAN, MI--(Marketwire - November 20, 2009) - (www.boschrexroth-us.com/lean) Bosch Rexroth
is offering advice on how basic lean principles can be used as a means for reaching sustainable
manufacturing goals.
Developed with lean manufacturing expert Jamie Flinchbaugh, Rexroth's "Lean and
Sustainability" discusses the relationship between lean manufacturing
and sustainable manufacturing. The challenge is how to effectively use lean
as a tool to drive sustainability in manufacturing operations.
Flinchbaugh, who is co-founder of the Lean Learning Center and
co-author of the popular book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean," emphasizes
that manufacturers can experience "double benefits" by implementing lean
principles that also have a positive effect on the environment, and waste
reduction lies at the heart of both lean and environmental improvements.
For example, when implementing lean, consider these tips to also help
reduce environmental impact:
-- Manufacturers can eliminate much of the damage done to the environment
by going after the waste in a given manufacturing process. This way, the
waste no longer affects the environment, and also improves the company's
bottom line.
-- Check for air leaks -- split hoses, punctured bladders, leaking
connections, etc. Leaks cause the plant to run less efficiently -- costing
more to maintain and keeping compressors working harder to deliver air
pressure -- also wasting electricity in the process.
-- Reduce the inventory needed to cover up waste. This will also reduce the
need for driving forklifts to move the inventory, reducing the use of
propane or electricity.
-- Utilize materials more effectively. A more efficient use of materials
will deliver the same value, at less or equal cost, and with less impact on
energy and resource demand.
"Lean and
Sustainability" is episode number ten in Rexroth's lean manufacturing
podcast series, available for listening or free download from the company's
website at www.boschrexroth-us.com/leanpodcast. The podcast series is also
available from the iTunes podcast library and other podcast directories on
the web.
Developed by Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group, each eight-
to ten-minute lean
manufacturing podcast episode presents guest experts and information to
help manufacturers and OEMs understand and apply lean principles and
practices in their businesses.