Representatives from the Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Program participated in the annual Shingo Prize Public Sector Conference & Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 6-8, 2006.

The conference challenged attendees to improve their processes using the principles of Lean that focus on removing the waste and nonvalue-added steps of a process to improve quality, cost, and delivery. Workshops and keynotes from teachers, practitioners, and managers of Lean filled a fast-paced, three-day conference coordinated by the Utah State University College of Business where the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing is administered. Lean principles are concepts for all industries, including U.S. military installations and defense contractors, many of which have proven the adaptability of Lean in their own manufacturing and business environment. The Shingo Prize Public Sector Awards recognize those federal organizations that have successfully adopted the tools of Lean to command excellence for their organizations.

This year's 2006 Shingo Prize Public Sector Award winners include Hill Air Force Base - Ogden Air Logistics Center; Rock Island Arsenal; Warner Robbins Air Logistics Center - Robbins Air Force Base; Letterkenny Army Depot; Red River Army Depot; Sandia National Laboratories; and Tobyhanna Army Depot. BMP is proud to have participated in this outstanding event and congratulates this year's prize winners.