Something FISHY is going on a VIBCO Vibrators...

Strange and wacky things seem to happen with surprising frequency at the VIBCO Vibrators factory in Wyoming, RI. Impromptu egg tosses, pinata games, nighttime deliveries from the mysterious FISH fairy, and warm cookie deliveries have become commonplace. But an 8-pound salmon flying through the air? Not that was something altogether different.

It seems that VIBCO has embraced the FISH Philosophy developed by John Yokoyama at the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, WA. The four practices of the philosophy are: Be There; Play; Make Their Day; and Choose Your Attitude. At VIBCO Vibrators, that means employees have the ability to and are are encouraged to find ways to improve their work and enjoy their jobs each and every day - and it extends from the top executives to the newest part-time employees.

Linda Kleineberg, a Marketing Manager for VIBCO, received a call from Karl Wadensten, President of VIBCO Vibrators, late Thursday evening. Wadensten was calling from Seattle while attending an industry conference.

"We went to the Pike Place Fish Market today... I'm sending you a fish via overnight delivery. Have some fun tomorrow!"

That was all the encouragement Kleineberg needed. She immediately set to work organizing a fish toss competition to see who could complete the longest successful throw. After some heated competition, the longest throw of the day went to the dynamic team of Kevin Monahan, welder, and Jay Connell, large unit assembler. Their completed toss measured a staggering 35 feet!

The fish toss competition is indicative of how ingrained the FISH Philosophy has become at VIBCO Vibrators. Approximately 2 years ago, the company embarked upon a Lean Revolution to transform itself from a traditional manufacturing operation into a world-class, lean manufacturer. The FISH Philosophy was identified as a way to add fun to the change process and to the overall working environment. Each employee received a copy of FISH Philosophy, either in printed or book-on-tape format, and informal and formal discussions deepened understanding and acceptance of the four FISH practices and how they relate to and can be employed at VIBCO. The result is a workforce that is motivated, enjoys its work, and continually seeks to improve the products, operations, and services VIBCO provides to its customers.

Founded in 1962, VIBCO Vibrators designs, manufactures and markets a comprehensive range of electric, pneumatic and hydraulic vibrators for construction and industrial use. VIBCO Vibrators also designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of vibratory plate compactors and rollers. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, RI and is a 2007 recipient of a Providence Business News Business Excellence Award. For more information on VIBCO Vibrators or its products and services, go to www.vibco.com or contact Linda Kleineberg at 401-539-2392.

Full resolution images and additional editorial information is available upon request.

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John Thoms attempts to make the longest throw of the day

Winners Jay Connell and Kevin Monahan celebrate their victory