Myths about Lean Manufacturing and the Impact to Your Bottom Line

Myths about Lean Manufacturing and the Impact to Your Bottom Line

Thursday, October 21, 2010
11 a.m. -12 p.m. ET

This webinar will uncover and address common myths manufacturers encounter as they plan, design and apply lean manufacturing principles. Nearly all that practice lean manufacturing have a goal to increase profit and reduce the assets required to generate it. In spite of their efforts, many adhere to misunderstood lean principles, leading to unsuccessful implementation and unrealized cost savings opportunities.

Panelists will cover:
• How lean concepts have been used in office environments with the same dramatic results as on the shop floor
• Why lean should be a key part of your external strategic plan to improve customer satisfaction and generate new business
• Why flexible manufacturing systems are less complex and beneficial to your operation
• Why lean must be part of your company’s culture to realize long-term financial benefits

The session will be moderated by Dustin Klein, executive editor, Smart Business. Presenters include Carlos Cardoso, president and chief executive officer, Kennametal, Inc. and Lisa Huntsman, president, Lauren Manufacturing.

Carlos Cardoso		Carlos Cardoso joined Kennametal Inc. in April 2003. Before serving in his current role with Kennametal, Mr. Cardoso served as the company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this position, he was responsible for Kennametal's Metalworking Solutions and Services and Advanced Materials Solutions businesses, representing 90% of the company's total revenues. Cardoso has been named one of America's "Best Chief Executive Officers" by Institutional Investor Magazine. He is a member of The Stanley Works Board of Directors, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee of the Manufacturers Alliance / MAPI. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and a master's degree in management from the Hartford Graduate Center. Cardoso is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
Lisa Huntsman		Lisa Huntsman, named president of Lauren Manufacturing in 2007, is responsible for the direction and growth of Lauren Manufacturing's operations located in New Philadelphia, Ohio. During her 14-year tenure with the company, Huntsman has progressed through the ranks at Lauren by consistently achieving goals and establishing new processes to advance the company and grow the business. Huntsman began her career at Lauren Manufacturing as a chemist, working her way up as a technical director, business unit leader and, lastly, as vice president of operations. In addition to her new responsibilities as president, Huntsman will continue to focus on ensuring operational excellence across the organization and providing new opportunities for growth and development. She also serves as president of Nurtured Pets, a subsidiary of Lauren International, Lauren Manufacturing's parent company.