INDUSTRY THINKS LEAN The Ararat Advertiser Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Picture: Peta James  

‘Lean Thinking’ expert Gary Kerr, Australian Industry Group regional manager Kay Macaulay, AME Systems General Manager Chris Carthew and Regional Development Victoria’s Mark Robert at the seminar held in Ararat.

 Ararat industry is thinking lean thanks to a seminar held in the city. The one day workshop was held at AME Systems. It was inducted by ‘lean thinking’ expert, Gary Kerr. Regional Manager of Australian Industry Group, Kay Macaulay said that the workshop was a great asset to local industry.

“Lean manufacturing and lean thinking are imperative in order for manufacturing to compete in both Australian and global markets,” Ms Macaulay said.

“The manufacturing industry is an ever changing environment, one where traditional manufacturing, in order to survive, must develop new techniques and ensure most efficient practices are introduced to the factory.”

 The Australian Industry Group, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is embarking on a program to deliver the most up to date and innovative lean thinking program to regional areas around Victoria .

 “AI Group and the Victorian Government believe that regional manufacturers must be given the best advice, in order to have the best outcomes,” Ms Macaulay said.

 The workshop was delivered in two sessions:
 -The morning session was designed for those who have started (or wanted to start) to implement lean thinking in their businesses.
-The afternoon session was for those who wanted to develop the morning’s learning and to explore the strategy and implementation.

 “I am delighted that businesses in the Ararat region have the opportunity to be involved in the Journey of Excellence workshop series,” Ms Macaulay said.