Showing You the Money: Inaugural Design Profit Summit in Troy Teaches Manufacturing Executives How to Turn Products Into Profit

TROY, Mich., July 11 -- Are you happy with the profitability of your products? If not, then you should attend the inaugural Design Profit Summit hosted by Munro & Associates, Inc. at the Troy Marriott Hotel from Sept. 20-21, 2005.

This two-day summit focuses on issues critical to making higher profits. It also provides an interactive format for product executives to learn from industry leaders who will share the methods that made them successful.

"The format of the Design Profit Summit provides an excellent opportunity for executives to measure the success of their company's profitability efforts against those of other industry leaders," said Sandy Munro, chief executive officer (CEO) of Munro & Associates. "The summit addresses executives' questions and provides strategies to immediately begin implementing profit- generating changes within their organization."

To kick-off the event, the opening keynote speaker will focus on cutting- edge innovation in the aerospace industry:

* Dick Rutan, president and CEO of Voyager Aerospace and a well-known innovator and pilot, will discuss the success of both the Voyager and SpaceShipOne in "Around and Out of This World" on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in the morning.

Other speakers for the event are leaders and experts from a wide cross- section of industry segments, including the aerospace, automotive, recreational vehicle, homeland security and medical product industries:

* Phil Tralies, president and CEO of Club Car, Inc., which developed the new "Precedent" golf car that has dominated its market within one year. Club Car has revolutionized its design and manufacturing processes to enhance customer satisfaction while increasing shareholder value;

* Nancy McCutchin, manager of interior architecture for the 787 at Boeing Co., led the new design/build process that is changing the culture in product development. The 787 will be the most efficient commercial airliner produced in the U.S. and will usher in a new era in profitability for airlines;

* Ron Harbour, president of Harbour Consulting and an expert on efficient manufacturing in all industries. Harbour is dedicated to helping companies develop and sustain a competitive advantage by implementing proven quality and productivity techniques;

* Larry Lyons, vice president, DaimlerChrysler front-wheel drive vehicles is part of the Chrysler Group that has led DaimlerChrysler's remarkable turn around in profitability at increased market share with innovative products and processes;

* Anthony Fabiano, president and CEO of American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E), in a twelve month period effectively implemented operating efficiencies, including several lean design initiatives, to reduce cost and improve margins. His leadership resulted in increased revenues, solid profit and a greatly improved stock value. AS&E is a leading manufacturer of X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug and weapons smuggling, illegal immigration and trade fraud;

* Stephen Sorocky, president and CEO of Dynacon Inc., which created a revolutionary new medical instrument on a shoestring budget, that has been designated a corporate best practice by the largest network of clinical laboratories in America; and

* Sandy Munro, CEO of Munro & Associates and advisor to some of the world's top manufacturing executives on designing and implementing innovations through the Lean Design(R) Process.

A special guest dinner speaker will conclude the summit by addressing attendees on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Shula's Steak House in Troy, Mich.:

* Dr. Bruce Holmes, director at NASA Langley Research Center, will highlight "The Next Big Thing" -- a look at ground-breaking advancements in design and profitability for the next generation air transportation system.

For additional information about the Design Profit Summit, visit http://www.designprofitsummit.com/ or call Joe Feord at 248-362-5110 ext. 206. Executives interested in registering for the event can do so online or by contacting Melissa Clark at 248-336-8338.

A leading consulting firm founded in 1988, Munro & Associates uses its Design Profit(R) Suite of Services to assist manufacturers in all industry segments worldwide to consistently increase their products' value, quality and profit.

Based in Troy, Mich., Munro & Associates has helped its customers save more than $9 billion through its unique procedures and methodologies, including its Lean Design(R) process, strategic consulting, program management, lean manufacturing, Quality Report Card(R), tool, technology transfer and ergonomics. For more information visit http://www.leandesign.com/