It is less than two weeks until we Embrace Disruption at AME Dallas 2022. I expect this conference to be transformative. We are, after all, coming together in a world transformed. The disruption we experienced over the last two years has created unique and unexpected opportunities. Who planned three years ago to work virtually? Or to join virtual conferences with the record-breaking attendance we had in 2020 and 2021?
Transformation is a powerful endeavor, and it has been on my mind this week as Hurricane Ian impacted our U.S. southeastern friends and members, particularly those in Florida. It is a humbling reminder that we are all in this together, and even if the storm did not directly impact you, most of us have family, friends, businesses and suppliers impacted by the crisis. Transformation is occurring across the region as they rebuild and reset.
When faced with adversity, what gives me hope is AME’s ability to harness lean thinking and continuous improvement methodologies to transform out of a problem instead of just reacting to the problem. I’m thrilled to explore this idea further at some of the powerful sessions offered at this year's conference.
Headlining the theme of lean transformation will be Newport News Shipbuilding. The sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, in 2017, it set out to integrate lean into its operations and value stream. Hear about the process and how this lean transformation impacted a company of more than 25,000 shipbuilders in “Navigating continuous improvement in disruptive times.”
AME Dallas will also offer tours of industry-leading facilities. Go and see lean transformation in person at the Bombardier Aviation and Aerospace Red Oak site. If you cannot make a tour in person, we also offer a multitude of virtual ones. You can learn how Ingersoll Rand's Wujiang, China operation initiated a value stream-based lean transformation by consolidating twelve factories into one industrial campus. The Texas Manufacturing Extension Partnership group (TMAC) is supporting an incredible lineup of can’t-miss tours. Note that tours are first come, first serve. You must be registered to attend a tour, and the good news is that it’s still not too late to register.
I want to give a big shout-out to this year’s conference chair, Dan McDonnell, and his conference team for putting together a world-class program of sessions, tours, workshops and keynote speakers. I look forward to seeing you all in two short weeks. I am certain we will all be transformed by the many ideas, conversations and lean practices awaiting us in Dallas.
Don’t forget that on Friday, October 7, we will celebrate National Manufacturing Day! There are many ways to celebrate. One AME member is sharing an opportunity to learn more about the advancing world of manufacturing and careers as they host a virtual event for teachers and students. You’ll see how 100 years of innovation and manufacturing have made them into a leading global manufacturer of forklifts and warehouse solutions. The event is open all month long. Learn more and register here: www.raymondcorp.com/ManufacturingDayRegistration
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
