Tonight’s presentation will be on Lean Organizations, presented by Mike Garza of Parker Hannifin Corporation. Lean is a concept that had its origins in manufacturing, but is applicable in any business sector. Lean basically creates change agents and equips the employee (or the employee of your suppliers) with new tools and skills. Lean fosters continuous improvement as a way of life.

Some of the characteristics of Lean Organizations include zero defects, lower costs - but not by lowering the profit margin. Lean Organizations take the cost out of the process. Lean Organizations improve the speed at which processes are completed, removing unnecessary and no-value-added steps. Lean Organizations make it a practice to apply common sense to everything they do.

Mike will talk about how a Kaizen Event - the application of Lean Thinking - will help identify waste; will help with streamlining the process - which leads to reduced lead-time; and will discuss how to challenge the conventional.

Mike has been with Parker since 1972, beginning as a supervisor for the machinist area. Mike is a leader in the Lean/Kaisen Events, both at suppliers and within Parker, crossing over into all types of products and services. Mike recently presented a lean manufacturing program to the Procurement Team, highlighting the fact that Lean concepts are applicable in any industry or business sector. Mike possesses an exceptional knowledge of both products and processes.

Following the presentation, those interested will be escorted on a four-point plant tour to hear the experts discuss how Lean, through Kaisen Events, has changed the way in which we do business in their respective areas. Unfortunately, due to Government restrictions, those who are not U.S. citizens will not be able to tour the facility, but can attend the meeting and presentation.

Reminder: Reservations must be made by January 8th at noon. You must identify yourself as a non-U.S. citizen at the time of your reservations by calling the NAPM-Orange County office at (714) 524-6276.