Both Lean and Six Sigma alone can result in dramatic improvements; but utilizing both methods simultaneously creates the ability to address all types of process problems with the most appropriate toolkit, thereby creating one potent tool that gives you unsurpassed power over process, design, and execution.

Lt. Governor Gary Herbert announced the winners of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 2005 Manufacturer of the Year Awards on February 23, 2006 at the State Capitol.

Recognized for their outstanding manufacturing achievements, eleven companies throughout the state were selected.

The annual recognition encourages manufacturers in Utah to apply innovative, competitive and cost effective principles to the management of their businesses.

taken from Utah Business Magazine

Overall U.S. employment growth continued to expand in March for both the manufacturing and service sectors, and hiring expectations for the next 30 days remain strong. The employment increase is partially attributable to typical seasonal hiring; however, the manufacturing growth is stronger than this time last year, and data indicates April employment growth for both sectors to be even greater than March.

The findings are reported in March's Leading Indicator of National Employment, a collaborative effort between the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations.

Overall manufacturing employment continues to expand and nearly 58 percent of respondents plan to recruit employees in the coming 30 days. This is the highest level for the employment expectations index since February 2004. This demand for manufacturing employees is increasing the number of open positions that employers are already unable to fill with skilled workers. The number of unfilled openings is increasing among both exempt and nonexempt positions.

The data was collected through a survey of human resource executives at more than 500 manufacturing and 500 service sector firms.

Every quarter, the U.S. Department of Commerce surveys the clients of MEP Utah to make sure that the services they provide are having a positive impact on the manufacturers in the state.

Here are the latest impact results from the Department of Commerce Survey of MEP Clients - 3rd Quarter 2005.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), in conjunction with Utah Valley State College (UVSC), is surveying a cross-section of Utah manufacturers. As part of the Governor’s thrust in economic development we are interested in determining the technology needs of Utah manufacturers. It should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete.

The information in the survey will be used to enhance technology commercialization with industry in Utah. All information that you provide will remain confidential. If you desire, a copy of the general results will be made available to you. All you need to do is indicate so on the space provided on the survey itself.

On behalf of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), in conjunction with Utah Valley State College (UVSC), we appreciate your support and assistance.

The future of U.S. manufacturing depends primarily on the continued success of small and midsized manufacturers, according to a report released recently by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute (TMI). The report, “The Future Success of Small and Medium Manufacturers: Challenges and Policy Issues,” highlights the critical role small and midsized businesses play in the future of America’s manufacturing sector.