1.   But it has more than paid for itself in improved factory efficiency, said Bob Pruitt, operations manager of Thatcher Tubes, Florence -- part of Courtaulds Packaging.

2.   Pilot groups working since the middle of last year have already made giant strides in factory efficiency.

3.   It has reduced product development times, increased factory efficiency and pressed its suppliers to work more efficiently and cut their prices.

4.   Shaken manufacturers, learning hard lessons from the auto industry, are only now beginning to stress better service, innovative financing and factory efficiency.

5.   Bryant attributed the gain to increased average selling prices, better product mixes and improved factory efficiency.