RCBI, Lockheed Martin to present
Lean seminar April 1

The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. are joining to present a daylong seminar on Lean Manufacturing Thursday, April 1, at the Lockheed Martin plant on Bridgeport Hill Road, Clarksburg.

The seminar will be conducted by RCBI Quality Director Erica Cheetham with Lockheed Martin serving as host. Lockheed Martin is considered a national leader in Lean Manufacturing. A similar seminar was conducted by RCBI and Lockheed Martin last November. Plant Manager Chris Savage again will lead a tour to showcase the plant’s Lean Implementation.

The April 1 seminar will be limited to 20 people so interested firms or individuals should register as soon as possible. Cost is $99 per person for the seminar, including lunch. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, call RCBI at 800.469.7224.

“Companies interested in reducing costs and improving production and quality will find this seminar extremely valuable,” RCBI Director and CEO Charlotte Weber said. “We particularly recommend it for plant managers, quality managers, industrial engineers and human resource managers.”

She added, “Today’s companies must address a number of major business issues, from market globalization to the recent economic challenges, in order to succeed. They must find ways to cut costs without impacting quality, customer service or product availability. Lean initiatives focus on eliminating waste from plant floor operations – and administrative functions -- by simplifying, standardizing and continually improving processes.”

The Lockheed Martin Clarksburg plant produces major assemblies for the C-130 tactical airlifter and the F-35 fighter jet. The Clarksburg plant is responsible for building approximately 17 percent of each C-130.

Ms. Cheetham has more than 15 years of experience in working with manufacturers, including the position of QS-9000 coordinator for a Tier II automotive supplier. She has completed several courses with the Lean Enterprise Institute as well as Harris Lean Systems, earning a certificate in Level Scheduling. She received both B.A. and M.S. degrees from Marshall University.

The RCBI Quality Certification group helps manufacturers develop and implement documented quality systems to help ensure that they remain effective, sought-after suppliers. To this end, RCBI offers a strong schedule of specialized, quality-focused courses in the latest applications and techniques and regularly helps companies develop work instructions and supervisory management skills.

RCBI provides access to cutting edge technology and technical training to manufacturers across the region. Operating from Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington, South Charleston, Bridgeport and Rocket Center (near Keyser in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle), its mission includes developing a quality, just-in-time supplier base for the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the commercial sector.