2007 eVolution of Manufacturing: EBO Group Inc., Leading the brainstorm

As an employee-owned company, Sharon Center-based EBO Group Inc. has systems in place that help it implement changes on a continuous basis.

The company designs and manufactures industrial clutches and brakes, as well as medical procedure, and transport chairs. Among its continuous improvement,

programs is one that reflects the company's name, Excellence by Objective. Every quarter, each employee turns in a one-page EBO form to his or her supervisor that includes ideas for change or projects they want to pursue in addition to their normal duties. It could be changes to their work area, their department or the entire company.

"The best ideas in your company come from the people that actually are doing the work," says President Keith Nichols. "Every company's got to go through some constant change, be it major or minor, to keep up with whats going on in their industry and what's going on in the general marketplace. If they don't do that, eventually they'll become a dinosaur. Its a necessity for long-term survival."