December 2008 – The Manufactured Products division of ITW Heartland launched a revitalization of its 5S initiative, a building block for world-class manufacturing. 5S is a method used in lean manufacturing to improve workplace organization and standardization by keeping work areas organized, free of clutter, efficient, and safe, while eliminating waste and improving flow.
5S is a reference to five Japanese words which translate to the English words “sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain”. Once fully implemented, the 5S process can increase morale, create positive impressions on customers, and increase efficiency and organization.
“Our teams have launched the program with excitement and success,” said Glenn Downing, Manufactured Products Business Unit Manager. “Our plan is to roll-out 5S across ITW Heartland operations. Such an endeavor draws upon the strength of our production staff, involvement from the management team, and employee enthusiasm to transfer the systems to their work areas.”
About ITW Heartland
ITW Heartland is a certified leader in precision engineered machines, parts, gears, and electro-mechanical products. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, ITW Heartland has four distinct divisions: Spiroid Gearing (design and manufacturing of custom right angle drives, gear boxes and loose gearing); Manufactured Products (low to mid quantity precision machining with a specific expertise in horizontal CNC technology); Strategic Assembly Solutions (complete machine design and assembly services); and ITW Gear Machines (designer and manufacturer of full line of high speed gear inspection and gear burnishing die equipment). As an Illinios Tool Works Company, ITW Heartland operates from a position of financial stability, engineering excellence, and refined manufacturing process.
For more information, visit www.itwheartland.com.
