Alberta Oil Tool began as a private company on May 31, 1951, and in 1962 was purchased by Dover Corporation. It is now a diversified oilfield equipment manufacturer, with divisions producing many types of products:

• sucker and drive rods for down-hole pumps
• sucker rod centralizers, moulded directly onto the rods
• tubular products, including pup joints, bull plugs, and various couplings

About five years ago, Alberta Oil Tool began the journey to adopt and apply lean manufacturing techniques throughout the operation. Starting with a 5S system called 5S+1 – the extra S for Safety – the company has an extensive program of visual controls, and is beginning to apply kanban-based pull systems, finished goods supermarkets, smaller batch sizes, and quicker setups. The tour will highlight some of the production areas, and show how lean is helping a local manufacturer compete and succeed.

Please note that AOT has a “no alcohol” policy; anyone consuming alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to tour the plant

Note that space is limited, as our hosts can only accommodate 25 visitors. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to SME members who sign up before noon on Friday, October 9th. The deadline for registration is 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 12th. Late registrations will not be accepted. Sign up on-line at the Chapter web site, http://maillists.bijouenhancements.com/sme/; everyone using the on-line registration will receive confirmation by e-mail.

Safety glasses, hard hats, and hearing protection must be worn in the plant. The company will provide these as required, but you are asked to bring your own if you have them.