CHICAGO (January 25, 2001) - Lean manufacturing, a process by which manufacturers make their systems and services more efficient, is the focus of a presentation hosted by South Suburban College and the Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC). The breakfast meeting will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2001, at 8:00 a.m. in the Heritage Room at South Suburban College, 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Ill. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Peggy Bowling, a senior business adviser with CMC, will discuss how the principles of lean manufacturing can help companies evaluate their operations, measure performance against the competition and determine the industry's best practices.

"By implementing lean manufacturing, companies can decrease lead times, lower operating costs, improve quality and increase customer satisfaction," states Bowling. "Lean principles can help manufacturers remain competitive, innovative and profitable."

Bowling has expertise in quality systems engineering, quality engineering and process re-engineering, and training in organizational effectiveness, quality systems auditing, and quality management.

The cost for the breakfast is $20. For more information or to make reservations, contact Carmen Garcia of South Suburban College at (708) 596-2000 x2633 or e-mail cgarcia@ssc.cc.il.us.

South Suburban College and CMC have partnered together to develop growth and improvement opportunities for manufacturers in the Chicago south suburban area.

CMC provides solutions for small and mid-sized manufacturers in areas such as e-business, lean manufacturing, international business development, technology services, growth management and environmental services. CMC is an affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a national network dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of small and mid-sized manufacturers. Public and private sector funding from corporations and foundations, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and the City of Chicago allows CMC to negotiate its fees, making consulting available to a wide range of companies. For more information about CMC, call 1-866-2EMERGE.

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