Oberkirch, October 5, 2007 - Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG has been
presented with the coveted Automotive Lean Production Award within
the "Domestic SME" category. The award is the brainchild of Agamus
Consult, a company within the Otto Wolf von Amerongen Group, and one
of Germany's leading automotive journals "AUTOMOBIL-PRODUKTION". The
Automotive Lean Production Award testifies to PWO's best-in-class
manufacturing efficiency at its Oberkirch plant, thus placing the
company among the elite group of automotive suppliers in Europe.
The award is seen as a significant benchmark when it comes to
assessing the overall efficiency of structures and processes
introduced within the European automobile sector as well as the
industry's ability to drive improvements on a continual basis. It
takes much of its inspiration from the well-known Toyota Production
System, which is considered a paradigm for companies to aspire to in
terms of cost and quality leadership and continuous improvement.
As part of a detailed analysis covering four levels, the panel
evaluates the consistency and success with which companies apply lean
manufacturing components and principles of the Toyota Production
System. At the same time, it assesses the degree to which the "lean
philosophy" has been embraced by management and staff. Finally, the
effects of these measures are assessed with regard to efficiency,
avoidance of waste and continuous streamlining of cost structures.
Karl M. Schmidhuber, Chairman of PWO's Management Board, was elated
at having been honoured in this way: "We have implemented
far-reaching changes throughout our value chain in recent years, the
prime objective being to make our processes more efficient,
cost-effective and stable. There was little doubt in our minds that
we would be able to further strengthen the solid position already
held by PWO as an automotive supplier. We are particularly proud of
the fact that our Oberkirch site in Germany is now recognised as one
of the leanest production plants within our industry. It goes without
saying that we shall continue to pursue our lean philosophy with the
same vigour and commitment."
Dr. Winfried Blümel, the Board member responsible for production and
materials management, was particularly delighted by PWO's strong
performance in all areas covered by the award. "This is a clear
tribute to the well-judged concept of incorporating all areas of our
company within the PWO Production System. We would like to express
our gratitude to all members of staff, who spearheaded a number of
changes as part of a highly creative approach and displayed
exceptional commitment in implementing them."
Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
The Management Board
Contact: Bernd Bartmann
Phone : +49 (0) 7802 / 84-347
Fax : +49 (0) 7802 / 84-789
E-mail : bernd.bartmann@progress-werk.de
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Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
Industriestrasse 8 Oberkirch
WKN:
696800; ISIN: DE0006968001; Index: CLASSIC All Share, Prime All
Share, CDAX;
Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse, Prime
Standard in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse,
Freiverkehr in Börse Berlin, Freiverkehr in Bayerische Börse München,
Freiverkehr in Börse Düsseldorf, Amtlicher Markt in Börse Stuttgart,
Freiverkehr in Hanseatische Wertpapierbörse zu Hamburg, Freiverkehr
in Niedersächsische Börse zu Hannover;
