Shaping the Future of manufacturing

November 7-8, 2007

Nashville, TN

Inaugural Impact Awards

In 2006, companies reported more than $544 Million in economic impact as a direct result of working with The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. These companies truly are “Reaching for the Future.” UT-CIS recognized the top performers in Tennessee with the inaugural “Impact Award” at its recent Manufacturing Solutions Conference in Nashville.

First, with $90 million in economic impact UT-CIS recognized Walker Die Castings Walker has been producing quality aluminum die castings since 1958. Key to this long history of customer satisfaction has been the extensive individual experience of their personnel. Currently numbering 650, these employees average more than ten years of industry experience.

Second, with and economic impact of $50 million was John Deere Powered Products, Inc. Their products include both walk and riding lawn mowers/tractors, off-road utility vehicles and various attachments. They employ nearly 500 employees at their location in Greene County, Tennessee.

Third, with an economic impact of $29 million was JTEKT Automotive Tennessee. The 375,000 sq/ft facility employs 780 and is located on property adjoining Tellico Lake. JTEKT Automotive Tennessee produces over 8300 rack and pinion steering systems and 10,800 high-pressure hose assemblies per day for original equipment vehicle manufacturers. One out of seven vehicles manufactured in North America use JTEKT products.

Fourth, with an economic impact of $20 million was Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), the nation’s largest three-service municipal utility, serving more than 420,000 customers. Since 1939, MLGW has met the utility needs of Memphis and Shelby County residents by delivering reliable and affordable electricity, natural gas and water service.

Finally, with an economic impact of $23 million was Sara Lee Foods, located in Newbern, Tennessee. This facility is a meat Processing plant.

The 2007 Manufacturing Solutions Conference is Tennessee’s only conference geared toward small to midsize manufacturers – focusing on continuous improvement technologies – and will provide the manufacturer with critical business skills necessary to transform their businesses into world-class organizations including:

• Strategic and tactical steps manufacturers can take to improve their business outcomes;
• Tools and techniques manufacturers can use to make immediate improvements to their businesses;
• The latest industry trends from nationally recognized experts and business leaders.

Who Should Attend

Manufacturing CEO's, Presidents, Chief Executives, General Managers, HR Executives, Quality Managers, Team Leaders, Purchasing Managers, Plant Supervisors and Continuous Improvement Champions.

Conference Format

Participants should expect an enjoyable interactive conference format as they are engaged in presentations, workshops, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities. The conference is designed to provide value to manufacturers by featuring:

• Interactive workshops
• Keynote presentations
• Networking opportunities
• Advocacy for the manufacturing industry
• Recognition of company successes
• Publicity and recognition of conference supporters

Conference Content

Program topics will include:

• Lean Manufacturing/Lean Enterprise
• Strategic business development
• Supply chain
• Product development
• Manufacturing technology
• Quality
• Human Resources (specific to lean and manufacturing)
• Culture (change management, team building)
• Leadership development
• Marketing
• Six Sigma
• Workforce development

Join a group of nationally-recognized business, manufacturing leaders and peers in exploring what is next for our region's manufacturers. Don't miss this chance to recharge, spur ideas and prepare for growth.

Thank you. If you have any questions, please contact Becky Peterson at (615) 532-4906, becky.peterson@tennessee.edu or Donna Bridges at (888) 763-7439, donna.bridges@tennessee.edu