Thinking about and managing the risks of operating a job shop and machining parts is a straightforward process when using tools such as risk matrices and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.
Lean manufacturing can benefit medium-size and larger companies by improving productivity and reducing quality problems and lead times. Benefits can be realized even in smaller, highly variable job shops through standardized work, balancing and flowing.
With so much of the news focused on manufacturing lost to China, India and elsewhere, Illinois ProTurn is growing, doubling in size, says Dan Lamz, president of the McHenry, Ill., shop. The majority of the shop's work is in the plastic injection mold industry, and Lamz says the company's forté is hard turning.