Metro Atlanta-based WIKA Instrument Corporation (WIKA) recently announced the appointment of Rick Reed as director of continuous improvement, reporting directly to WIKA president Michael Gerster.
"Rick joining our organization is proof of WIKA's continued determination to improve our manufacturing and business processes," said Gerster.
Reed, a certified lean master, certified Six Sigma black belt, master trainer, Shainin Red X Journeyman and master black belt candidate, will be responsible for managing the implementation of the Toyota Production System using kaizen methodology across the entire value stream.
"WIKA began its journey to 'lean' several years ago and has made great strides in implementing a lean culture," said Reed. "My experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement will allow us to take WIKA to the next level."
Reed was mostly recently with St. Louis-based Siegel-Robert Inc. as corporate manager of lean enterprise training, where he was charged with identifying, developing and implementing programs necessary to introduce lean manufacturing and Six Sigma into the corporation's seven divisions.
Reed has more than 30 years experience in assessing and successfully deploying lean concepts in companies across the United States and Asia. Additionally, he has consulted, trained or presented at more than 25 companies in the U.S. and Asia, and he has led or facilitated more than 75 continuous improvement events, developing more than 70 training modules.
For more than 60 years, WIKA Instrument Corporation has continued to advance pressure and temperature instrumentation on a global basis. In the U.S., WIKA's operation utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and highly automated production equipment. As the industry leader for lean manufacturing, WIKA offers a made-to-stock and made-to-order process that can distribute most products within three days or less. By combining world-class LeanSigma operations, agile manufacturing and resident engineering, WIKA can deliver the best instrumentation solutions including products for critical applications.