ATAC STAFFERS ATTAIN PRESTIGIOUS 'LEAN' CERTIFICATIONS

    AUBURN – Four staffers from the Auburn Technical Assistance Center at Auburn University’s College of Business have achieved the prestigious Lean Bronze Certification for manufacturing expertise from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
     Lean Specialist Dave Devore attained Bronze Certified Lean Manufacturing status and Lean Specialists Rick Battye and Terri Lawrence and Senior Outreach Associate Mitch Emmons each attained AME/SME/Shingo Bronze Knowledge Certification.
    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 for Lean Manufacturing status also must prepare and submit a portfolio that reflects his or her experience with implementation of Lean techniques.
     “Lean manufacturing certification is something that not many people attain, and this is a significant accomplishment,” said ATAC Director Henry Burdg. “ATAC is fortunate to now have five of its professional staff certified at various levels of this national program.”
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 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.”
    Devore also is a certified Training Within Industry instructor and holds dual bachelor degrees from Kent State University. In addition to industrial training, Devore has experience in law enforcement and the U.S. military.
     Battye has more than 15 years of national and international experience in manufacturing with a background in the automotive and power industries in the areas of plant management, operations management, supply chain management and production control.  Battye holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
    Lawrence has more than 14 years of Lean experience as a manager, trainer and rapaid improvement event leader. She has facilitated continuous improvement events in manufacturing, the service industry and in healthcare. Lawrence trained in Kyoto, Japan and holds a bachelors degree from the University of Washington.
     Emmons is a project administrator and manages ATAC’s regional marketing andsales,promotion, publicity and communications efforts. He previously directed communications activities for AU’s Research Division. Emmons also was a project manager with Georgia’s Quick Start industrial training program and has worked in the nuclear power, pulp & paper, and textile manufacturing industries. Emmons holds a master’s degree in communication from Auburn University, a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama, as well as certification as an electrician.
    ATAC 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, 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.