SME publishes novel on business sustainability

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) recently published a new book written by Gary Langenwalter entitled The Squeeze: A Novel Approach to Business Sustainability. The foreword to the book is written by Robert W. "Doc" Hall, professor emeritus, Indiana University.

The Squeeze is a novel that relates the fight for survival of a small, family owned, Midwest manufacturer. Barely breaking even, Brookings Manufacturing is feeling the "squeeze" even after five years of Lean implementation-from its competitors whose prices are 25 percent less, from employees with trust issues, from the bank who questions the company's ability to pay back loans, and from the EPA who is citing the company for violations. Its new CEO, Adam Brookings, finds himself at a crossroads — sell the barely profitable business and leave the fate of his lifetime friends/co-workers to chance, move 200 manufacturing jobs overseas and substantially affect the local community, or try something new-and quick! But what?

The company turns itself around by implementing "sustainability." Sustainability goes beyond lean, which only looks at the financial bottom line, to include two additional bottom lines — social and environmental — in decision making at all levels of an organization. Sustainability embraces the three Rs — respect, relationship and responsibility. It is about respect for each other, respect for our earth, and respect for future generations. It is about relationships with one other, and relationship with future generations. It is thinking of ourselves as stewards, in a long line of stewards. And, it is about being committed to helping customers, suppliers, and employees grow and succeed.

When Brookings begins using the Triple Bottom Line to make decisions, employees, customers, suppliers, and even its bank stand up and take notice. The success of sustainability lies in its linking of personal values to ethical business practices. Improvement efforts are given new momentum and people have greater enthusiasm since they are empowered to make decisions that will directly benefit their children and the community. Everyone knows what's in it for them if their employer, family, and community make decisions that make the world "sustainable" for business, the human race, and generations to come.

For more information or to order this book, please visit the SME Online Store or call 800-733-4763 and mention product identification: BK06PUB30 and ISBN: 0-87263-850-2.

About SME
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The society, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2007, has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide, including nine chapters in Canada.