RCBI Providing Lean Management
Training for Cabela’s

The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) is providing lean management training for associates at the Cabela’s retail store and distribution center in Tridelphia, just outside Wheeling.

The training is a joint effort between RCBI and West Virginia Northern Community College. RCBI and the college signed an agreement last year in which the two pledged to work together on a number of programs, including workforce training, to enhance economic development in the Northern Panhandle.

Lean management is an increasingly popular strategy aimed at reducing costs while improving timely performance and quality.

“Today’s companies,” says RCBI Director and CEO Charlotte Weber, “must find ways to cut costs without impacting quality, customer services or product availability. Lean initiatives focus on eliminating waste by simplifying, standardizing and continually improving processes. We at RCBI are truly excited to be able to bring this important message to a world-class company such as Cabela’s.”

The training is being conducted by RCBI staffers Erica Cheetham, Director of Quality Services, and Eddie Fisher, Quality Systems and Technical Trainer.

On its Web site, Cabela’s bills itself as “the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear.” It sells by mail-order catalog and the Internet, as well as its nationwide network of retail stores. The company describes its retail locations as “true destination stores” that are “as much wildlife museums and education centers as retail stores.”

RCBI’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington, Charleston, Bridgeport and Rocket Center (near Keyser in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle) provide access to cutting edge technology and technical training to manufacturers and other businesses across the region.