OIT Times: Forging Industry Taking Unique Approach to Roadmap Implementation

June 21, 2000

During a recent visit to several forging facilities in southern Texas, George Mochnal, Director of Research and Education, Forging Industry Association (FIA), couldn believe the enthusiasm for the Forging Industry Technology Roadmap! For the first time he was hearing feedback and project ideas from some of the employees often overlooked in the decision-making process the plant workers themselves.

his is a good lesson-learned,explained Mochnal. o many times we solicit feedback from plant engineers and managers, when often the shop floor personnel have different and often better solutions to existing problems./p>

Mochnal visited Wyman-Gordon, Texas Metal Works, Forge Products, Inc., Ellwood Texas Forge, Reed Tool Co. and Interstate Forging Industries. Prior to the visit, several companies distributed copies of the vision and roadmap to employees, explaining the process and discussing ideas. The forging industry technology roadmap is similar to the nine Industries of the Future roadmaps, identifying strategic objectives and energy efficiency goals. he excitement in these plants, where employees feel their companies are taking a proactive stance to remain competitive, was amazing,said Mochnal.

In a unique approach to education, FIA has also established an nline universitywith classes in areas such as management, human resources and sales. FIA is developing a roadmapping seminar to further educate industry on the research process and the implementation of technology. Mochnal believes the more an employee knows about the process, the more likely he or she is to generate ideas and encourage others to get involved.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Forging Industry Association is comprised of over 150 North American producers of forged metal components. For more information, visit the their website at www.forging.org.