IET627 Group Project Matt Watson, Mikey Awbrey

Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company Link-Belt is a leader in design, manufacture and sales of telescopic and lattice boom cranes

Company Overview Headquarters in Lexington, KY. Core production base and center for worldwide operations: –740,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility –Major expansion plans over last ten years –Continuous improvement philosophies –Most modern crane facility in North America.

Who are they? What do they do? Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co. A leader in the design, manufacturing, and sales of telescopic and lattice boom cranes. Operates on the principles of continuous improvement, ISO 9001, and established values that support the vision of quality.

Company Vision “…to be recognized as a leader in customer service and satisfaction.”

Mission Link-Belt has emerged as a highly-focused, dynamic market leader in crane design and product quality standards Focuses on continuous improvement and employee empowerment.

Organizational Structure Traditional heirarchy structure –1 President & CEO –1 CFO –4 Vice-Presidents –Managers –Supervisors 100+ years of cumulative experience Employee empowerment President CEO VP Engineering Manager Supervisor VP Marketing Manager Supervisor VP Manufacturing Manager Supervisor CFO VP Finance Manager Supervisor (CFO)

Use of Work Teams / Group Dynamics Focus on the situation, issue, or behavior, not on the person. Maintain the self-confidence and self- esteem of others. Maintain constructive relationships. Take initiative to make things better. Lead by example. THINK BEYOND THE MOMENT!

Use of Information Technology & Innovation Lean Sigma Kaizen Design for Lean Sigma Lean Manufacturing CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Globalization efforts/plans Committed to the design, manufacture, and service of quality products worldwide. Most modern crane facility in North America. Greatest resource is their people. Link-Belt is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries of Tokyo, Japan. Link-Belt is an official overseas branch of Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

Globalization efforts/plans -- Strengths They concentrate on core competencies of each department and put those to the best use for the benefit of the company. All core aspects of the company are in one common location. –High level of collaboration amongst departments –Instant feedback from manufacturing

All machinery is physically tested to ANSI B30.5 standards. Globalization efforts/plans -- Strengths

Lack of established European footprint. –European codes are extremely difficult to comply with and remain compliant with North American codes: DOT, FMVSS, CFMVSS. Globalization efforts/plans -- Weakness

Operates with one manufacturing facility. –To gain competitive advantage, facilities on other continents would be beneficial. Globalization efforts/plans -- Weakness

Managerial Challenges The current greatest managerial challenge faced within the company is adequate communication of direction. –Some instances of confusion –Doubling efforts –Conflicting efforts Clear definition of expectations is not always present.

Managerial Challenges Us vs. Them mentality among the various departments. –“That’s not my job!” –“It’s not my fault!” –“We have to do their job for them…” CONFLICT!

Recommended Solution Strive to develop camaraderie and team identity. –“We’re all on the same team!” –“We win or we fail, together.” Utilize team building exercises across various departments. Provide incentives and/or praise for a job well done.

Be fervent in implementation of continuous improvement. –If not improving you are moving backwards. Recommended Solution