DESCRIPTION
Loewen transformed the Operations part of the business, similar to the strategy most manufacturing organizations take to start their lean journey. In 2019, Loewen started the lean transformation in the Administrative area. As a natural progression, the Continous Improvement Steering Committee was inititated in 2021 to formalize the transformation process. Learn about the journey of the Continuous Improvement Steering Committee through the eyes and experience of various levels of the organization:
roles/responsibilities of different levels of the organization
tools and techniques
culture building
tangible improvements
Loewen is the leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors for the luxury architectural market in North America and abroad. In addition to proudly handcrafting enduring products that enhance beautiful architecture, we are an innovative organization that has evolved into a design-driven, technologically advanced company of the modern age. Our products are beautiful, and they are built to last through higher standards and authentic materials.
PRESENTERS
Tiffany Recksiedler, Continuous Improvement Group Leader, Loewen Windows
Tiffany Recksiedler started her career at Loewen as a general laborer back in 2007. Shortly after starting her role at Loewen, she worked her way up and developed a career path into Leadership. For the past 12 years Tiffany has been a Group Leader across multiple departments such as Receiving, Terrace Door Fabrication, Material Handling, Sales and Service Ontime.
In 2021 Tiffany completed her Lean Level II Greenbelt Certification and took on the role of Continuous Improvement Group Leader for Manufacturing. During this time, she became an active member of the CI Steering Committee and was promoted to Committee Chair in 2023. Tiffany continues to lead the CI Steering Committee and is responsible for working with all departments (administration and manufacturing) to develop, execute, and grow the continuous improvement culture at Loewen.
Todd LeRoy, VP Manufacturing, Loewen Windows
Todd LeRoy has a diverse career at Loewen which has included many roles with increased responsibility since he started at Loewen in 1982.
Starting on the Shipping dock, Todd moved into positions that included safety, transportation and leadership. In 1997 Todd moved into a Production Manager role and just over a year later was promoted to Plant Manager at a time when Loewen had an average of 1300 employees. Since then, Todd has served as a Business Unit Leader to lead the Awning/Casement team through a Lean transition before taking on the role as Director, Production Support Services in April 2009.
Todd’s diversification in knowledge, leadership and expertise has been invaluable during a temporary on-site assignment in 2009 as the Director, Operations for Loewen Lift Slide in Oceanside, California where he provided leadership on Lean principles, process improvement and operations practices.
Since that time Todd has added the leadership of the Customer Market Services and Information Technology areas to his portfolio in the role of Director, Business Operations. In July of 2013 he transitioned to Director, Manufacturing and in early 2015 was promoted to VP, Manufacturing.
Since 2016 Todd has represented Loewen on the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Manitoba Board of Directors
