MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufacturers will learn ways to make their plants more productive and globally competitive at an Oct. 24-25 conference at the Nissan Training Center in Canton.

Sponsored by Mississippi State University’s Industrial Outreach Service and Nissan, the 2006 Lean Manufacturing Conference is designed to help plant managers, owners, executives and engineers who have responsibility for improving manufacturing systems. Successful local production managers and national consultants will conduct the conference sessions.

Lean production is an engineering term for the ability to produce more with less.

“Lean is a customer focused management concept that strives to eliminate waste and improve flow,” said John Moore, industrial outreach project manager. “Lean principles define waste in your operation as any process or function that your customer is not willing to pay for.”

The flow element of lean refers to the ability to provide fast service to customers without the cost of storing inventory, Moore added.

The 2006 Lean Manufacturing Conference offers a variety of sessions to address the needs of participants regardless of their level of experience.

During a panel discussion by experts from successful Mississippi companies participants will be able to ask questions about any topic or strategies related to lean production.

Other conference sponsors include MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Raytheon, Society of Manufacturing Engineers and UGS Corporation.

“No matter what your level of lean knowledge, you will learn new skills at this conference that will aid in your production,” Moore said.

The $445 conference registration fee includes meals and materials. Individuals interested in the lean conference can visit the web site at http://ios.msstate.edu or phone Cathy Sims at (662) 325-0513.

Contact: John Moore, (662) 325-0513