Wilson Tool Honored as manufacturer of the year

Company recognized for lean manufacturing and knowledge-sharing initiatives

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN. (April 16, 2007) –

Wilson Tool International, the leading independent tooling manufacturer for sheet metal fabrication, has been named Manufacturer of the Year by the Manufacturers Alliance. The award is given annually to companies that best exemplify lean manufacturing practices while also sharing their knowledge with fellow manufacturers.

“We’re honored to be recognized for doing what’s best for our company, our customers and our industry,” said Brian Robinson, Co-President of Wilson Tool. “This award is a testament to the outstanding efforts of our workforce. We’re also grateful to the Alliance for helping manufacturers like us stay competitive in the international market.”

Implementing a Successful Lean Strategy
Just three years into its lean manufacturing initiative, Wilson Tool has threaded its unique take on lean throughout the company. To be successful, they believe that everyone must have a stake in lean efforts, from the factory floor to the executive offices. They see it as a gradual process in which many smaller efforts add up to make a big difference.

According to Chris Lawless, Vice President of Operations at Wilson Tool, this philosophy is working. “Our approach to any lean project is that it won't be undertaken unless there is complete participation at the front end. It isn’t some slash-and-burn procedure that just targets waste reduction – it's a frame of mind. That’s why we prefer the term 'continuous improvement' to lean. We have focused on lots of small improvements. We take it bit by bit. And it has worked in a big way,” Lawless commented.

The Benefits of Knowledge Sharing
Wilson Tool has taken advantage of the mutually beneficial programs offered by the Manufacturers Alliance, including workshops, monthly meetings and benchmarking programs. They also hosted fifty manufacturers for a tour of their shop floor, followed by a Q&A session to shed light on their lean practices. This type of knowledge-sharing event has been of great benefit to Alliance members.

“The willingness to share experiences and strengthen fellow manufacturers was a major factor in selecting Wilson Tool for this award,” noted Art Sneen, President of the Manufacturers Alliance. “They represent what the Manufacturers Alliance is all about.”

About Manufacturer's Alliance
As an educational association for manufacturing companies, the mission of the www.mfrall.comManufacturer's Alliance is to provide peer-to-peer training, education and resources which allow manufacturers to continuously grow, improve and stay competitive.

About Wilson Tool