Eve Yen, founder and CEO of Diamond Wipes, is our guest for episode #79 of the podcast. In this podcast, Eve discusses her company and how manufacturing in the United States provides a strong competitive advantage. While not explicitly “Lean,” Eve articulates a value proposition that any Lean Thinker would recognize: manufacturing close to the customer allows for shorter lead times and, for these products, better quality and freshness. Her strategy also allows for just-in-time delivery and ready customization for customers.
Her story is an inspiring one for many reasons, as an entrepreneur and an immigrant who has made the most of her opportunities in America. Eve believes strongly that manufacturing is critically important for our nation's economy and she's working to build her company, serve her customers, and spread that message.
You can read about her story at the following links:
For earlier episodes, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple Podcasts.
If you have feedback on the podcast, or any questions for me or my guests, you can email me at leanpodcast@gmail.com or you can call and leave a voicemail by calling the “Lean Line” at (817) 993-0630 or contact me via Skype id “mgraban”. Please give your location and your first name. Any comments (email or voicemail) might be used in follow ups to the podcast.
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Mark, thank you for taking the time to continue to provide interesting content. I enjoyed Ms. Yen’s interview as it presented a positive business story in a time where all of the media hype is around the negative aspects of business. I also see this as an important lesson to businesses of all sizes who believe the only way to lower expenses is to offshore. We heard this theme repeated many times during the AME conference this year but you can do it by leveraging lean thinking. Its not the easy way but if your goal is to help both your employees and customers, it can been accomplished. Sending manufacturing jobs out of this country is the easy way out for non lean thinkers. Some key points from the interview:1. Production in the US allows shorter lead times 2. Made to order within two weeks where the competition is two to three months 3. They have less inventory, warehouse, and transportation expenses. 4.The lower expenses allow them to pay the higher US wage while creating a fresher product for their customers. They are creating value.
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