Metals Engineer in Germany uses Lawton to inspire employees to go LEAN
Guest post by: Daniel Ribeiro da Silva, Materials Engineering, Metallurgist and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
As a typical Foundryman, I am passionate about the foundry environment and the metallurgy science behind the castings’ manufacturing process. This inspiration also comes from my father, who has worked for more than 40 years in the foundry business.
Yes, I have “iron in my blood,” and this motivates me to keep learning about what is happening in the foundry world. The C.A. Lawton Company is a source of knowledge for me and a true symbol of what the foundries must be to produce castings with excellence.
In January 2019, I read the article published in Modern Castings Magazine about the LEAN manufacturing implementation journey at Lawton. At that time, I was involved in a transformation project in one foundry in Brazil, using LEAN manufacturing concepts. I shared the C.A. Lawton article in one of our stand-up meetings with the shop floor operators. That article helped to break the predominant attitude that that LEAN and foundry didn’t fit together.
Many team members came up to me and said: “Daniel…if they can utilize LEAN manufacturing concepts there at C.A. Lawton…we can too!” What an inspiration!
I wish the best for all employees of the C.A. Lawton Company! Keep running with your eyes on the future! LEAN manufacturing is the path to take, and you are heading in the right direction!
Never forget that a foundry is not just furnaces or sand mixers. Indeed, a foundry starts with people. And your remarkable people are the key to your success.