Editor's Commentary

With rising fuel costs taking an ever-increasing economic toll, one mid-sized manufacturer is implementing an unusual strategy to save money for itself and its employees. Managers at Independence, Kentucky-based KRC Machine Tool Services decided to change the company's work schedule. The company still operates five days a week, but employees now work four 10-hour shifts during that period. "A couple of weeks ago, when the gas prices kept going up every day, the guys started saying 'this is killing us,'" says Jimmy Trusty, engineering manager. "The new shift arrangement doesn't just help the employees-the company is saving on energy bills and overtime." In addition to money saved, managers report that productivity has risen as a result of the schedule change. For more information from KRC Machine Tool Services, visit the company's MMSOnline Showroom.