Congratulations on your Steinway trip Fred. I was there in June. I remember lunch with Earl from the dampers department, and I remember discussing cabinet-racking (Boston studio pianos) with their R&D person over lunch (though too have misplaced her name), and I remember the guy you are referring to, whom I believe's recent background was in water-pump manufacture!? And I remember the eggplant-parmesan sandwiches and the oven-fresh biscotti... but why can't I remember the guy's name? This seems to be the "current" in manufacturing BTW, (seemingly disparate backgrounds, not memory loss) it is not about your specific training or previous employment. It is about trainability, problem-solving/peoples skills, and it is mostly about ATTITUDE. What impressed me most about this guy then (and his amazing accomplishments are a "close second")was the fact he was able to get everyone from "bean-counters to back-check benders" moving in the same direction! I believe they have gone from about a 40% failure rate on flange manufacture down to 2 or 3%. Amazing! Those round-table discussions over lunch (between all the tours, and the actual "work") were a great hilight of the trip as well. For those of you wondering, Eric Schandall collared a variety of interesting from both the factory floor and the various supporting departments to host discussions with us over lunch. Not a moment wasted! And I agree with you thoroughly Fred about time spent on the factory floor. There's five life-times of experience worn into those floor-boards. Mark Cramer, Brandon University >>>>>This guy was in charge of the action portion of the factory at that time (1994), and was in the process of replacing the fancy machines , reorganizing the work flow people putting together so they can be in easy communication and get feedback. Having financial incentives for everyone to be cross trained.... I could spend months hanging out in the factory and never experience a moment's boredom. Fascinating place.<<<<< Regards, Fred Sturm University of New Mexico _______________________________________________ caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC