For years, lean has been a hot topic among manufacturers as a way to streamline businesses, operate more efficiently and cut costs.
 
But now that the recession is in full swing and uncertainty about the end looms, companies who have gone lean are facing an unintended consequence of that course of action: With a workforce that has already been trimmed and specially trained, where can you cut to save money?
 
Broad-based layoffs aren’t an option in those situations, according to a recent article at WSJ.com (read the full article here). Companies like Parker Hannifin have been trying to make cuts in other ways – such as reducing hours or cutting pay – but that may …