HILL AFB -- Hill Air Force Base received the Shingo Prize for Excellence in manufacturing for its work on the F-16 Program. The prize is administered by Utah State University's College of Business and has been called the Nobel Prize for manufacturing by Business Week.

The base was one of nine government entities that achieved dramatic improvements to earn the public sector award. Other awards were given to military installation nationwide. They are scored on cost improvement, leadership, empowerment, vision and strategy, innovation and development, partnering practices with suppliers and customers, environmental practices, quality and results leading to consistent improvements.

"The Shingo Prize recognizes the best in manufacturing," said Ross Robson, director of the Shingo Prize.

"The 2006 recipients are not only saving American taxpayers' money, but increasing the quality and availability of military weapons that protect Americans at home and soldiers abroad."

mwilliams@davisclipper.com