MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufacturers can learn ways to reduce waste and increase productivity in their plants and tour lean manufacturing companies during an April 22 through 24 conference in Starkville.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Forest Products Department are sponsoring the 2003 Southern Region Lean Manufacturing Conference. The theme of the conference is "Reduce Waste, Increase Productivity." Registration fees are $325 through April 11, and $350 after that date.

"Lean manufacturing involves using processes that allow you to produce more with less &endash; less effort, less raw materials, less space and less waste," said Duane Motsenbocker, conference manager. "Manufacturers will hear firsthand from production managers and international consultants experienced in the real-world implementation of lean processes."

The conference will begin early April 22 with participants traveling to tour either Delphi Industries in Clinton or to Mercedes-Benz and Johnson Controls in Tuscaloosa. Tour registration is $45. Days two and three of the conference will be held on the MSU campus, primarily in the Bost Building. Lunch, breaks, a barbecue picnic and tickets to the MSU baseball game are included in the conference registration.

Contact Ann Sansing in MSU's Food and Fiber Center at (662) 325-2160 or asansing@ext.msstate.edu for registration and more information.