Modern Machine Shop: Machining Reimagined As A Lean Resource

Published 12/21/2009

Companies that implement the principles of lean manufacturing are often described as being on a journey—a journey that has a definite direction, but not a distinct endpoint. Everyone at Climax Portable Machine Tools in Newberg, Oregon, would probably agree with this description. They’ve been on a "lean journey" since 2006. They understand that the aim is not to reach a destination, but rather to become increasingly responsive to customers. Whether in the figurative or literal sense, however, a journey often involves encountering crossroads, points where the path diverges along a different route or forks in several directions. Taking the right or wrong turn may determine success or failure.