Operational Excellence project “Speed to Lead” recognized for reducing lead times through Quick Response Manufacturing.
ALBION, MI — April 24, 2025. Caster Concepts, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial casters and wheels, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards. The company’s project, Speed to Lead: Caster Concepts Lowers Lead Time with Quick Response Manufacturing, earned recognition in the Operational Excellence category—signaling its role as one of the industry’s most innovative and impactful manufacturing transformations.
Presented by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards honor groundbreaking projects and visionary leadership driving the future of manufacturing.
The Speed to Lead initiative focused on leveraging Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) to significantly reduce lead times and improve operational efficiency. This was accomplished by streamlining manufacturing processes and reducing machine capacity utilization to enhance flow and minimize inventory. By embracing this strategy, Caster Concepts achieved faster throughput, greater customer responsiveness, and a scalable model for agile production.
“We are honored to be recognized among the top innovators in manufacturing,” said Andrew Dobbins, VP of Manufacturing at Caster Concepts. “This nomination reflects our ongoing dedication to setting new standards in speed, service, and operational excellence.”
All finalists will be recognized on stage at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, taking place at 7:00 p.m. EDT on June 18, 2025, at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida. The event will also unveil winners across all categories, including the Future of Manufacturing Award and Manufacturer of the Year distinctions.
About Caster Concepts
Based in Albion, MI, Caster Concepts designs and builds industrial heavy-duty casters and wheels for virtually any application. Companies rely on Caster Concepts to increase productivity and reduce the risk of worker injury in heavy-duty material handling applications. Our high-capacity casters feature load ratings that range from below 3,000 pounds to over 100,000 pounds. Caster Concepts is ISO 9001-2015 certified and offers one of the industry’s shortest lead times, making it the premier choice for many industries. The company was awarded the 2022 Corporate Impact Award by the state of Michigan. Visit CasterConcepts.com.
Media Contact:
Name: Bill deMink
Email: bdemink@brickstreetmarketing.com
Phone: (517) 680-7957
Website: CasterConcepts.com
