Pittsburgh, PA, October 11, 2007-Toyota is among the leaders in the automobile industry thanks in large part to its culture of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. The same set of proven tools, techniques, and procedures that contribute to Toyota's success can be applied to any means of production, and members of the printing industry are now learning just how powerful-and profitable-they are.
PIA/GATFPress's newest publication, Lean Printing: Pathway to Success, by Kevin Cooper, Malcolm G. Keif, and Kenneth L. Macro Jr., illustrates the benefits that inevitably come from a Lean operation-an engaged and active workforce, well-maintained equipment, less waste, less downtime, improved product quality, and more. More important, Lean Printing: Pathway to Success offers an in-depth examination of the Lean tools that will help your printing business achieve those benefits, including:
The 5S method-sort, straighten, shine, standardize, and sustain
Setup reduction
Total productive maintenance
How to build in quality at the source
Visual management
Kaizen-continuous improvement
Value-stream mapping
How to incorporate consistent flow in the printing process
These proven procedures will help today's printer reduce the costs associated with wasted materials, wasted motion, and wasted time while at the same time adding value to their products.
The book draws on the experience and knowledge of its three authors. Kevin Cooper has worked in printing and manufacturing for twenty years. He is currently a professor of graphic communications at California Polytechnic State University and actively presents and consults with printers on Lean manufacturing methods. Malcolm G. Keif is an associate professor at California Polytechnic State University specializing in flexography, quality management in the graphic arts, and estimating and costing. He has worked in the printing and packaging industry for over twenty years. And Kenneth L. Macro Jr. is an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University specializing in Lean manufacturing, print production management, marketing and sales, and training program development. He is also the current vice president of the Southwest Region of the International Graphic Arts Education Association.
Lean Printing: Pathway to Success (Item #1757) is available for $30; PIA/GATF members receive the discounted rate of $20. This and all of PIA/GATFPress's nearly 200 publications are available online at www.gain.net, or by phone (toll-free 866-855-4283), fax (301-393-2555), or mail (200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143).