ATAC SPECIALIST FIRST IN STATE TO ATTAIN PRESTIGEOUS ‘LEAN’CERTIFICATION
     AUBURN – David Hicks, a member of the Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC) staff at Auburn University, has achieved the prestigious Lean Bronze Certification for manufacturing expertise and is the first to achieve this honor in the state of Alabama, according to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
     Established and awarded jointly by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Shingo Prize program at Utah State University and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence, the Lean manufacturing certification program is a nationally recognized qualifications process. Certification at each of its three levels -- Bronze, Silver and Gold -- involves many hours of education and testing to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Lean manufacturing principals. Candidates also must prepare and submit a portfolio that reflects his or her experience with implementation of Lean techniques.
     “David’s certification is the first in the state of Alabama at any of the award’s three levels and is an achievement to be commended,” said ATAC Director Henry Burdg. “Lean manufacturing certification is something that not many people attain, and this is a significant accomplishment.”
    Lean manufacturing is the leading paradigm in industry. With the objectives of eliminating waste and improving efficiency, it focuses on making products only when a customer expresses a need by placing an order. As such, it is very different from the mass production methods used by traditional manufacturers.
     “Lean manufacturing is much broader than the old Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing philosophy,” Burdg adds. “Where JIT focused only on the production line and processes, Lean manufacturing focuses on the entire system – from production and supply, to management and administration. It is one of the most beneficial areas that a company can invest resources into.”
     Hicks, a Registered Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing, test engineering, quality and plant management, is a management scientist with the ATAC. His background is in the automotive and high-volume metal fabrication industries, and he has an extensive history with Lean implementation with both small and large companies.
      “One of the missions of Auburn University is outreach,” Hicks said. “ATAC has helped hundreds of firms statewide, and working with ATAC is rewarding because it has given me the opportunity to help businesses keep jobs in Alabama by implementing Lean manufacturing techniques.”
     Hicks earned a Master of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University.
    The Auburn Technical Assistance Center was established in 1976 and is an affiliate of the Alabama Technology Network and an Economic Development Administration University Center. As an arm of the Auburn University College of Business Outreach program, ATAC provides business and technical assistance, customized training, and consultation in implementing value-added strategies to manufacturers and other businesses, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies in Alabama and the Southeast. 

CONTACT: Mitch Emmons, (334) 844-3881, emmonmb@auburn.edu.