The Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) Recognizes Deluxe's Production Efficiency ST. PAUL, Minn., July 31 -- Deluxe Financial Services today announced its Lenexa, Kan. manufacturing facility received the Leading Edge Award from the Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC). The award is based on Deluxe's exceptional implementation of lean manufacturing concepts. Congressman Dennis Moore will formally present the award to Deluxe before touring the Lenexa facility today. Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating activities that don't add value in the production cycle. Following MAMTC's lean manufacturing principles, Deluxe increased production levels, while it reduced the cycle time by 12 percent within a year of implementing the lean concepts. In addition, product travel through Deluxe's check printing production process was reduced from 194 feet to 23 feet, eliminating five pieces of equipment. "Deluxe's Lenexa division is a great example of our ongoing commitment to maximizing efficiency at all of our manufacturing facilities," said Luann Widener, vice president of operations, Deluxe Financial Services. "We continually seek ways to improve our already-efficient production techniques, and the lean manufacturing concepts help us maintain our industry leadership in quality production." Lean manufacturing engages employees throughout the production cycle by asking them to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing processes that they deal with on a day-to-day basis. First-hand employee feedback has allowed Deluxe to reduce defects per million by 129 percent, and dramatically reduce the number of hours needed to produce the same amount of products. "Because the process is built on employee input, morale is enhanced and employees are more engaged because they know they really can make a difference," said Widener. "Lean manufacturing puts the customer needs first, providing them with the maximum value for the lowest price," said Mark Minter, Director of MAMTC's Overland Park office. "MAMTC's Leading Edge Award recognizes Deluxe's extraordinary results in creating maximum efficiency in its production cycle."