From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs

Experience the transformative journey of Coast Spas, a hot tub manufacturing giant, as we soared to new heights under visionary leadership. In just nine months, we achieved a remarkable 77% increase in throughput, all while reducing the workforce by 19%. This extraordinary accomplishment was driven by a strategic overhaul of the production line, leveraging advanced engineering methods to optimize the flow of products. The result was a streamlined operation that not only boosted productivity but also maintained the highest quality standards. This presentation is a testament to what can be achieved with visionary thinking and a commitment to excellence. 

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 Continuous Improvement Steering Committee was initiated in 2021 to formalize the transformation process. 

Improved product output and improved quality by 25% in 18 months

Magellan Aerospace has a Composite Fabrication Center as part of the F35 Horizontal Tail Assembly Program. Various components for the assembly are made in this area using primarily carbon fiber pre-prep material, laid up, and in two large Autoclaves. The cell is physically separated into a clean room for automated cloth cutting and lay-up, and outside the room, is the Tool Preparation, Debagging and Autoclaves. The processes are complex, require extensive training and certifications to perform and require precise operation of the Autoclaves and automatic cloth cutters.

How SMED approach can significantly reduce downtime and improve throughput

Explore strategies to enhance efficiency reducing changeover time using the SingleMinute Exchange of Dies (SMED) methodology. How do we analyze our cycle to pinpoint areas for improvement? Let's go through the steps to understand the cycle analysis and apply the methodology.

Global implementation

Join us for an insightful presentation on how RIMEX Supply has successfully navigated the journey of integrating Lean methodologies into its operational culture. This session will explore the strategic implementation of Lean principles, focusing on standardization, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. 

Building Products & Lean: The start of something great!

Learn how Building Products & Concrete Supply LP, a company that have been in business for 100+ years started our Lean journey. From the investments and buy in from top leadership to the change of culture within the whole company. Creating a space for employees to express their ideas and see them come to fruition. We will walk you through a successful Kaizen in our payroll department and highlight the benefits that were achieved by the company and employees. Also sharing testimonials from top execs to frontline employees on continuous improvement.

Lean Outside: Thriving Without Control

Discover how to apply Lean principles beyond manufacturing in one of the toughest environments: Landscaping. From - 10°C to +35°C, we operate outdoors year-round, overcoming extreme conditions while growing our people and implementing Lean strategies—without breaking the bank. This speech uncovers the hard lessons and mistakes I made over our 7-year Lean journey, so you don’t have to repeat them. Learn how to supercharge your continuous improvement efforts, even when faced with staffing and work shortages, retention challenges, and the unpredictability of outdoor environments.

Rating: Intermediate

How accelerated Kaizen growth became too fast-paced for the organization

This hands-on session will gamify learning that fosters creativity and builds camaraderie to jumpstart Kaizen energy. Follow along our journey as we discuss the successes and failures of rebuilding continuous improvement, establishing a Kaizen culture and launching internal project-based Six Sigma training within a heavily siloed organization.

Rating: Intermediate