Barry was excited about the journey he was to embark on. He had just contracted a professional organization in his industry that would help his company implement lean practices. These professionals understood Barry’s challenges: “Making it” isn’t easy in U.S. manufacturing, especially with increasing demand for lower prices, higher quality, and just-in-time delivery.

The lean journey set off with a management briefing, a quick assessment, and the direction to move forward was established. Management trained the work force in lean concepts and held kaizen events. Conferences were attended to network with peers and customers, and learn how others were handling challenges in this industry.

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