Augusta facility is one of only 20 finalists for award that recognizes top North American manufacturing facilities
(AUGUSTA, GA) – E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is proud to announce that its Augusta manufacturing facility has been named a 2008 finalist for Industry Weekmagazine’s Best Plants Award.
The award recognizes North American plants that are “on the leading edge of efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and create stimulating and rewarding work environments,” according to the magazine. E-Z-GO was selected as one of 20 finalists for the award. Of the finalists, 10 winners will be selected and featured in the magazine’s January 2009 issue.
“I am honored but not surprised that our facility has been named a finalist for this prestigious honor,” said John Collins, plant manager for E-Z-GO. “Ultimately, it is an organization’s people who drive its success, and we have the finest workforce to be found anywhere.”
“Our employees are the key to all of our successes,” said Kevin P. Holleran, president of E-Z-GO. “As we have embarked on a journey of continuous improvement, our workforce has led every step of the way, through our commitment to Six Sigma methods and Lean manufacturing principles, to our implementation of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, dedication to environmental stewardship, and devotion to maintaining an inclusive, open corporate culture.”
The Augusta plant manufactures more than 25 E-Z-GO makes and models, from the new RXV™ fleet golf car to the popular ST line of personal utility vehicles. The company recently completed extensive improvements to the facility, which contributed to the recognition of this honor. In January, the company launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing line for the RXV that incorporates “smart tools,” ergonomic workstations, natural lighting, and other high-tech advances to drive first-time quality, conserve energy and minimize environmental impacts.
E-Z-GO’s philosophy of continuous improvement and its employment of Six Sigma practices have led to dramatic performances over the years in eliminating wasteful practices and driving enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction.
“Although we’ve made tremendous progress, this is only the beginning,” Holleran said.
“E-Z-GO is committed to continued innovation and improvement so that we can continue to exceed our customers’ expectations, provide a safe and respectful workplace, support our community, protect our environment, and drive value for Textron shareholders.”
About E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. E-Z-GO is the preferred golf car fleet provider for many of the world’s most revered golf courses, clubs and resorts. E-Z-GO is also the golf car of choice of nine of the nation’s 10 largest course-management companies. E-Z-GO boasts the largest sales and service network in the industry, with more factory branch locations and independent distributors than any other manufacturer.
More than a maker of golf cars, E-Z-GO is also a leading provider of industrial, turf and utility vehicles for a variety of applications and industries. Products under the E-Z-GO flagship include the Shuttle Personnel Carrier, ST Personal Utility vehicles, and the Clays Car, the world’s first vehicle designed specifically for the sporting clays shooter. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman line of heavy-duty burden carriers.
Founded in 1954 in Augusta, Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Contact:
Kathleen C. Searle
Vice President – Communications
706.560.6036
ksearle@textron.com
Brandon Haddock
Manager – Marketing Communications
706.772.5931
bhaddock@textron.com
