Press Release

12.10.09

JOHN DEERE TAKES TOP HONORS IN THE THIRD ANNUAL HUMANTECH FIND IT - FIX IT CHALLENGE^TM

For Immediate Release

Ann Arbor, MICH — Humantech announced the winners of its third annual Find It - Fix It Challenge^TM, which recognizes and rewards simple and effective workplace solutions that result in increased productivity, improved worker morale, and fewer workplace injuries and illnesses. Organizations were encouraged to submit photos and videos of their best ergonomic improvements for judging by Humantech's board certified professional ergonomists and staff.

This year's first place was awarded to John Deere Des Moines Works. The winning improvement focused on John Deere's 7760 Cotton Harvester's muffler assembly installation. Before the fix, the operation required two employees to lift the 30+ pound assembly above their heads and maintain awkward postures holding it in place while one additional operator fastened it to the machine. An internal team designed and fabricated a fixture to hold the assembly and mounted it to an electric lift to raise and lower it. The solution enables one operator to quickly and easy maneuver the muffler assembly into place and fasten it without additional assistance. The customized lift cart has eliminated the overhead work and awkward postures while dramatically improving the productivity of the operation.

"We are proud to be recognized for developing an effective ergonomic solution that not only improves workplace safety but also improves the efficiency of the operation" says Dan Wisner, ergonomic engineer at John Deere Des Moines Works. "This fix, along with our two other improvements in the Challenges top 15 finalists, showcases our team's ingenuity and commitment to John Deere's continuous improvement process."

Honorable mentions were given to Terex Handlers for its Cable Track Installer and Delta Faucet Company for its development of a Project Punchout Fixture. The top finalists included DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Battle Creek, Michigan; Genie Industries - Building #6, Redmond, Washington; Gerdau Ameristeel, Cartersville, Georgia; The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's Akron, Ohio, and Izmit, Turkey facilities; Pfizer, Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Georgetown, Kentucky.

The 2010 Find It - Fix It Challenge is slated to kick off in early summer. For additional information about the winners of the 2009 Find It - Fix It Challenge or the 2010 kickoff, visit http://www.humantech.com/aboutus/findfix/.

About Humantech
For 30 years, global companies have relied on Humantech for workplace improvements. By combining the science of ergonomics and our unique 30-Inch View®–where people, work, and environment intersect-we deliver practical solutions that improve safety, quality, and productivity. At Humantech, we believe people make productivity happen. For more information about our portfolio of products and services or The 30-Inch View, visit www.humantech.com.

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