Event Highlights Manufacturing

An NC State initiative promoting manufacturing across North Carolina will host a public event in Pitt County this month to focus on worker empowerment. The free event, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21, at the NACCO Materials Handling Group plant in Greenville, is sponsored by the Manufacturing Makes It Real Network.  Online RSVP is encouraged.

Company executives will speak on how the plant uses teamwork and a neighborhood approach to entrust workers to identify opportunities for improvement, often involving safety and quality issues.  In one year, the company received more than 650 suggestions and saved thousands of dollars directly attributable to the initiative.

“This approach is unique in giving employees empowerment to choose their own priorities,” said manager George Lemerise. “It gives them the opportunity to set priorities that are important to them, not just to management.”

The event will feature a guided tour of plant operations, a product presentation session and networking opportunities.

The NACCO Materials Handling Group supports the Hyster and Yale brand lift trucks that are manufactured in its Greenville plant. The company employs approximately 5,300 people worldwide.

The Manufacturing Makes It Real Network, administered by NC State’s Industrial Extension Service, is a member-driven organization dedicated to helping North Carolina manufacturers become more competitive and innovative in a changing economy. The network enables manufacturers to meet potential customers and local suppliers, organizes regular public events around the state and helps connect members with university resources.