Rath & Strong Blog

Obama-Biden and Lean Manufacturing??

How will the new administration address the failing manufacturing industry in the USA? The introduction of Lean Six and Lean Six Sigma may be an answer. The Obama-Biden policy for Manufacturing is set out as follows:

* Invest in our next generation innovators and job creators: Obama and Biden will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies.
* Double funding for the manufacturing extension partnership: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with manufacturers across the country to improve efficiency, implement new technology and strengthen company growth. This highly-successful program has engaged in more than 350,000 projects across the country and in 2006 alone, helped create and protect over 50,000 jobs. But despite this success, funding for MEP has been slashed by the Bush administration. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will double funding for the MEP so its training centers can continue to bolster the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.
* Invest in a clean energy economy and create 5 million new green jobs:
* Create new job training programs for clean technologies:
* Boost the renewable energy sector and create new jobs:

While many of these initiatives revolve around Green & Clean, the Obama-Biden administration also highlights the importance of innovation, technology and efficiency in the US manufacturing sector. Clearly Lean Manufacturing can play an important role in the revitalization and sustainability of the US manufacturing sector. If combined with innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing strategy we can help create a competitive US manufacturing industry once again.