Conn-Selmer consolidates woodwind production at expanded Elkhart facility.

CONN-SELMER, INC., has announced plans to transform its Elkhart South manufacturing facility into a "Center for Excellence" for woodwind manufacturing.

"The level of skill and expertise at this facility continues to improve through its utilization of modern manufacturing techniques, one-piece flow, lean manufacturing, and the team's commitment to continuous improvement," said John Stoner, president and CEO. "Focusing this expertise in a single facility allows for the better utilization of assets and better sharing of best practices. We will be providing the resources necessary and reconfiguring Elkhart South to accept this expanded strategic role."

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The Elkhart Woodwind Facility has a strong tradition of craftsmanship. Initially opened for the Armstrong brand of woodwind instruments, the facility produced all types of woodwind instruments during its initial tenure. During its expansion in 2004, a formal training program brought on additional workers under the close tutelage of expert craftsmen. Today its craftsmen spend their days working together in small groups to achieve very high levels of quality.

The strengthened process and technical support provided by a single facility will further enhance the manufacturing process already demonstrated by the development and introduction of the Avanti step-up flute line with Bickford Brannen. This development work will continue with the introduction of the Julian Bliss line of student clarinets and the support and expansion of the LeBlanc by Backun professional clarinets. Conn-Selmer sees expanded efforts with higher-end instruments as an excellent opportunity for the growth of the entire line of woodwind products.

Additional expansion will include Conn-Selmer's line of Leblanc USA and Vito clarinets, including the newest Leblanc by Backun professional models. As a result, the company's Kenosha, Wisconsin facility will be closing sometime in 2008.

"While this is a very difficult decision, we recognize the efficiencies available to us through focused and fully integrated manufacturing facilities," said Stoner. "Competition in the global marketplace demands that these efficiencies be fully explored. Our Elkhart South facility is ideally positioned to accept this role, providing U.S.-manufactured instruments that will be preferred by players and teachers throughout the world."