ESAB nomination for Lean Award

ESAB in Laxå, Sweden, came second in the prestigious Swedish 2009 Lean Award. The jury acknowledged the great work done to improve layout and flow, communication cells, visual management, people involvement and focused management. The Award was presented during the Lean Forum Conference in Gothenburg on 7th October.

The Swedish Lean Award was founded in 2008 by “Lean Forum”, an association that is the leading inspirer and educator in society helping organisations to maximise value and reduce wastefulness. The Lean Award is given to companies that are good examples of Lean management and that can inspire others in their Lean journey. Leadership and teamwork are powerful components of the Lean approach, and focus is on Lean thinking, not technology and tools.

Seven companies were selected for the Award in 2009, representing both the public and the private sectors in different industries. ESAB was one of three finalists. The other finalists were Saab Automobile AB, Production, Trollhättan and Karolinska University Laboratory for practical nursing and pre-analysis, Units LNP3 and LNP8, Stockholm. In September, the jury visited the finalists to get an understanding of the Lean work that is carried out.

The winner - Saab Automobile AB - was announced at the Lean Forum Conference in Gothenburg on 7th October. ESAB ended up in second place. At the Conference, all finalists got an opportunity to present their work for the delegates, who represent many areas of Swedish industry.

The Award shows how ESAB’s Lean activities have made a significant impact on the business. ESAB's management and the Equipment Factory Manager Bo Carlsson are very proud that ESAB Laxå has achieved this accolade, and appreciates the hard work and engagement that has been put in by all employees in applying the Lean tools and philosophies in their daily work.

For more information, please contact Bo Carlsson, Factory Manager.