Air Force Materiel Command’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, Ga., is the first public sector depot to receive what is considered the Nobel prize in manufacturing—the Shingo Prize, reports the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. The award has gone to private sector manufacturing for the past 17 years. The ALC won for its enhanced efficiency in the overhaul of C-5 airlifters.
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.