2007 NHRA NATIONAL EVENT SCHEDULE
Listen to Trackside Interviews with Champions, Drivers and Crew Chiefs
Robert Hight
Hillary Will
Bob Vandergriff
Dave Connolly
Ed Iskenderian
Cory McClenathan
Robert Hight
Jim Yates
Tony Bartone
Hillary Will
Whit Bazemore
Byron Hines
| HERBERT AND SNAP-ON INNOVATIVE
PROCESS PRODUCES DESIRED RESULTS LINCOLNTON, N.C. (March 27, 2007) – How can a Japanese manufacturing process help Doug Herbert and the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel team win drag races? This question was posed last Tuesday, as Snap-on Tools brought a consultant from Shingijitsu, the world leader in lean manufacturing business principles, and their own team of lean experts to Herbert’s race shop in Lincolnton, N.C. Typically used in the manufacturing process to eliminate wasted human effort and reduce production time, the lean process had never been studied in the drag racing environment. After seeing the positive results implemented at Snap-on manufacturing facilities, Al Biland, president of Snap-on Tools, envisioned the process benefiting Herbert and Snap-on Top Fuel team. The goals of the event included reducing the overall engine rebuild time, and improving both safety and quality during the rebuild process. Beginning last Tuesday, the Snap-on Top Fuel team conducted the engine rebuild process under the watchful eye of the Snap-on Tools lean team. By the end of the week, both teams had learned from the process, and were excited about the results. “I’m not going to reveal the results of the event,” said Biland, president of Snap-on Tools, “but suffice to say our theory was right on! We significantly reduced the amount of time required to turn the car around, and improved safety and quality at the same time.” “The week was great,” said Herbert, driver of the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster. “We learned so much, and the guys really came together as a team. This will help us capture the race wins and ultimately the Championships that we have been striving for.” The Snap-on Top Fuel team will put into practice their learnings this weekend at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, TX. Snap-on Tools Company LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture and construction. Products are sold through its franchisees, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.5 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin. For additional information on Snap-on, visit www.snapon.com. |
