SANFORD, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 27, 2005–Invacare (NYSE:IVC) announces that its manufacturing team in Sanford, Florida, has earned the 2005 Perfect Engine Site Award for its continuous improvement practices. The award acknowledges Invacare’s successful multi-year journey in becoming a lean manufacturer.
The Perfect Engine Site award from the TBM Consulting Group recognizes Invacare for making outstanding achievements in a Lean Sigma(R) operations transformation. TBM has watched hundreds of companies grow and become more lean and competitive. They chose Invacare’s Florida operations as a recipient of the 2005 award, because of the company’s outstanding productivity results, which has brought about business agility, growth and profitability.
“We are happy to have our Florida operations recognized as one of the best in lean manufacturing,” said Matthew Mullarkey, vice president of global operations for Invacare. “The success of our lean manufacturing operations in Florida is something that Invacare wants to replicate globally. We are proud of the achievements of our Florida team and have used groups from these facilities to establish lean manufacturing in our operations in Asia.”
Invacare’s Florida Operations, which manufacture medical beds and respiratory equipment, began their lean manufacturing journey in 2001. Lean manufacturing eliminates waste by encouraging continuous workplace improvement involving every member of an organization. Invacare gives all of its associates the tools and training to both analyze and solve problems in order to make its operations more efficient. The benefits have been three-fold:
— High Velocity Production resulting in high turns of inventory
— High Quality Product
— North American manufacturer remains competitive in Total Lowest Cost
“Invacare has seen great growth in productivity, quality and asset utilization over the past few years,” said Bill Rohm, vice president of North American manufacturing for Invacare. “Our Florida team has done a wonderful job of growing in these three areas through training and utilizing its people to their maximum potential.”
TBM Consulting Group, Inc. is the leading provider of LeanSigma(R) consulting and training services. The company’s mission is helping manufacturers and service industry businesses create a competitive advantage to generate significant growth in sales and earnings. The company provides the strategic direction and hands-on implementation to guide clients’ cultural and organizational transformation. More information about TBM Consulting Group can be found at www.tbmcg.com.
Invacare (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The company has 6,100 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare’s website at www.invacare.com.
Contact:
Invacare, Elyria
Lara L. Mahoney, 440-329-6393