Through shared training and peer-to-peer relationships, the Georgia Tech Lean Consortium is providing organizations with a forum to advance their knowledge and effective use of lean principles, a set of tools widely used in manufacturing to help identify and steadily eliminate waste from an organization’s operations. There are currently 11 south metro Atlanta companies participating with plans to expand across the metro Atlanta area.
According to Larry Alford, south metro Atlanta region manager for Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, members from any economic sector – including manufacturing, service, government or health care – are welcome if they have a vision for lean within their organization, a strategy and commitment to its implementation and successful experiences to share with the consortium.
Every other month, one of the member companies hosts the group at its facility, where they present their challenges and successes with lean principles. After a plant tour, the group provides feedback to identify areas of success, as well as opportunities for further improvement. Members are also offered exclusive training classes in areas that they help to select.
“The Georgia Tech Lean Consortium is a great opportunity for Southwire to network with local companies. It provides an outlet to share ideas and successes regarding lean concepts and fundamentals,” said Jill Morgan, director of operational perfection at the Carrollton-based Southwire. “Each time I attend a meeting, I walk away with pages of ideas and new perspectives on various ways to approach and succeed at lean manufacturing.”
To learn more about the Georgia Tech Lean Consortium, please contact Larry Alford (404-895-5237); E-mail (larry.alford@innovate.gatech.edu) or visit www.gtlean.org.
About Enterprise Innovation Institute:
The Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute helps companies, entrepreneurs, economic developers and communities improve their competitiveness through the application of science, technology and innovation. It is one of the most comprehensive university-based programs of business and industry assistance, technology commercialization and economic development in the nation.
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Media Relations Contact: John Toon (404-894-6986); E-mail (john.toon@innovate.gatech.edu).
Writer: Nancy Fullbright