The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) honored Stihl, based in Virginia Beach, Va., with a 2013 Manufacturing Excellence Award.

“Recognizing organizations that are implementing lean manufacturing and management processes is one of the highlights of our conference,” said Paul Kuchuris, AME president. “It allows us to highlight businesses that improve their bottom lines and customer experiences with the best practices they gain through our outreach programs.”

In its feedback report about Stihl, the AME assessment team noted the Virginia Beach manufacturing facility’s strides toward the establishment of a continuous improvement system, focusing on the implementation of advanced technology, integration of automation, data systems, work instructions, signaling devices and steps toward the establishment of flow. Outstanding practices the committee focused on include the total-cost thinking used for new product and process development projects and the use of inventory flywheels to balance high service levels and low-cost production linearity goals.

“I was honored to accept the award on behalf of all Stihl employees, who continuously demonstrate their dedication to our company’s mission and values,” said Christian Koestler, vice president of operations for Stihl. “Fostering a culture of innovation and excellence is fundamental to American manufacturing success, and encouraging employees to embrace automation and rewarding them for their ideas establishes this culture from the ground up.”