FDM - October 2008

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October 2008 Volume 80 Number 11

FEATURES

46 Switch to custom pays off

Specialty component maker strives to improve its process while dealing with smaller size orders and more complexity.

40 Measuring lead time in
hours

Custom JIT office furniture component manufacturer stays competitive by adding new equipment and enhancing capabilities.

50 Innovative products
advance the industry

Winners of the I WF 2008 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award create improvements in key areas of the woodworking industry.

56 Capital spending survey

A group of more than 30 companies in the FDM 300 plans to spend about $40 million on equipment and plants in 2009.

Com parison of sp ending (in millions of $) Equipment 2008 (Projected) $16.6

2008 (Actual)

$15.1

Plant 2008 (Projected)

$9.5

On the cover: Contact Industries created heaven bent mouldings for an architectural customer.

2008 (Actual) $5.5

0 5 10

15

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