Goulds Pumps Auburn Facility Wins International Industrial Quality Award
Auburn, NY (January 24, 2001) - Goulds Pumps Water Technologies plant here was honored by its parent company, ITT Industries, the world's largest pump producer, with an international "Ring of Quality" Gold Award in recognition of successful application of "Lean Manufacturing" techniques. "Lean Manufacturing" is a discipline that involves the mastering of manufacturing techniques to reduce waste, eliminate process redundancies, and improve productivity.
"Receiving this award is one of the best things that has happened to us," said Doug Bingler, President, Goulds Pumps Water Technologies. "We are honored to be recognized for the substantial improvement our plant has made in everything from product reliability to improved on-time performance. Lean Manufacturing has helped empower our employees and lift our morale".
Illustrating Lean Manufacturing at work, one Goulds Pumps team at the Auburn facility reduced the actual "set-up" time on a manufacturing process from several hours to 17 minutes. Another team implemented a procedure that ensures that the company receives the raw steel it needs the moment supplies are depleted.
The techniques adopted at the Auburn facility are having positive effects beyond the plant walls as well. "Facilities that operate efficiently and effectively are viewed more favorably both by customers and suppliers," Bingler said. "This means that we can grow faster, secure jobs, satisfy employees, and develop a stronger local economy."
"We like to think that in the map room at ITT Industries' headquarters, the pin that signifies Auburn shines a little more brightly," said Richard Westfall, President, Local 3298, the United Steelworkers of America, the Auburn facility's bargaining unit.
"It's more than a matter of pride," Westfall said. "Continuous improvement efforts like these are enabling 200 people to keep their jobs in a highly-competitive work environment."
The Goulds Pumps' Water Technologies plant is one of only a few ITT Industries' operations worldwide to be honored with the Ring of Quality Gold Award this year.
ITT Industries, Inc. (www.ittind.com) is a global engineering and manufacturing company with leading positions in the markets it serves. The company reported 1999 sales of $4.6 billion from its four segments: Connectors and Switches, Defense Products & Services, Pumps & Complementary Products, and Specialty Products.
Headquartered in White Plains, New York, the company employs approximately 38,000 people around the world. In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, ITT Industries is traded on the Midwest, Pacific, London, Paris and Frankfurt exchanges.
Source: Xylem Inc.
