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Lean Learning Center Chosen by Northrop Grumman Marine Systems to Oversee Lean Manufacturing Implementation

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Zone : World class manufacturing
Published : 23 Mar 2007 19:43

Novi, Mich, March 23, 2007 – The Lean Learning Center, a leading provider of lean curriculum and consulting, has announced that it has been contracted by Northrop Grumman Marine Systems of Sunnyvale, Calif. to enhance its continuous improvement efforts in its propulsion systems and power generation systems areas by implementing a lean transformation program.

Services being provided by the Center involve a combination of consulting, planning, training, education, lean learning laboratories and kaizen events.

The Center’s comprehensive programs typically begin with management level personnel attending the five-day Lean Experience class in Novi, which is a total immersion workshop in true lean thinking. Utilizing techniques that include simulations, case studies, personal planning and reflection, attendees learn about the principles and rules at the heart of lean transformation, preparing them to become the “leaders of lean” back at their companies.

“The difference between a lean program and true lean transformation is that only those companies that go beyond the tools of lean and develop the common lens, language and thinking of lean succeed,” says Lean Learning Center partner Andy Carlino.

“Many of our clients find that our focus on ‘lean thinking’ is the most valuable part of our offerings,” added Jamie Flinchbaugh, Lean Learning Center partner. “We look beyond the typical lean tools and concentrate on helping people internalize lean concepts, affecting the way they think about what they do and why they do it each and every day.”

To provide direction for lean transformation programs, the Center will perform an extensive Integrated Lean Assessment at a client facility. Information from this study is compiled into a comprehensive report that provides a suggested plan and the necessary lean tools needed to move forward with lean implementation.

From this assessment, suggested activities such as kaizen events and lean learning laboratories emerge. Said Carlino, “Kaizens help garner quick and positive results out of a lean program and they provide an opportunity to train client personnel in how to run their own events without our assistance. Lean learning labs allow companies to experiment and apply lean rules and tools in a small environment, which can then spread to the larger organization.”

In conjunction with its corporate partner Achievement Dynamics, a provider of management consulting, the Lean Learning Center provides a full complement of lean transformation services and products including customized instructional design capability. Industries served include manufacturing, healthcare, public utilities, retail, aerospace, communications, technology, investment equity, service and more. Partners Flinchbaugh and Carlino have authored The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean, published by the SME.

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