How “Stayed in America” Became a Lean Growth Strategy
by Dave Rizzardo, Associate Director, MWCC

Our October 21, 2025, MWCC Lean Facility Tour took us to Equipment Development Company (EDCO) in Frederick, Maryland — an exciting, engaging, and educational Lean morning!

EDCO is building the cultural foundation that will embed Lean and continuous improvement into its DNA. Their commitment to “Stayed in America” goes beyond “Made in America.” As the team explained, staying in America requires becoming a Lean organization — one with clear alignment, purpose, and direction.

🏗️ “The only way we can assure that we stay in America is to become a Lean organization.”

EDCO’s Lean efforts to reduce batch sizes dramatically shortened lead times — from months to days — while freeing enough capacity to launch an entirely new business, EDCO Fabrication. This achievement underscores that Lean isn’t only about reducing waste; it’s also a powerful growth strategy that enables innovation, agility, and sustainable expansion.

A major focus area for EDCO has been standardization. By reducing variation and digitizing key processes — including videos for complex steps — the team has created a strong foundation for consistent quality and continuous improvement. Standardization not only eliminates wasteful variation but also provides a single, reliable baseline for future improvements.

Leadership development has been central to EDCO’s Lean journey. Their Leadership Guidebook defines the behaviors expected in a Lean organization and provides clarity around what it means to lead effectively. Ongoing training at the team-leader level ensures that Lean principles are practiced daily by those who support and guide front-line teams — the most critical level of leadership in any organization.

💬 “Lean principles affect and define leader behaviors — and EDCO makes sure those are clearly understood and lived.”

In the area of technology, EDCO takes a thoughtful and disciplined approach. As Ed Turner emphasized, technology is implemented only when it solves a clearly defined problem — not for technology’s sake. This intentional approach ensures that automation and digital tools align with Lean goals and avoid the trap of creating “faster waste.”

During the tour, participants saw these concepts in action — advanced laser cutting and CNC operations alongside simple yet powerful visual tools, like red-flagged material carts that instantly signal missing parts. This balance of high-tech and low-tech solutions demonstrates EDCO’s understanding that Lean is about choosing the right tool for the problem, not the flashiest one.

We were especially impressed by the EDCO SHOUT OUT program, which encourages employees to recognize peers who demonstrate company values. This peer-to-peer recognition reinforces behaviors that sustain a Lean culture and highlights the importance of appreciation in shaping long-term engagement.

Following the tour, EDCO leaders candidly shared areas they’re still working to improve — a hallmark of true Lean thinking. Their willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve exemplifies what it means to “Stay in America.”

A big thank-you to the entire EDCO team for hosting an inspiring and educational visit!