Thursday, December 6th Bluewater Wood Alliance manufacturers assembled at the Kitchener Public Library for in-depth training on Lean Manufacturing.

What does Toyota, Lean and Woodworking all have in common? For one full day, the BWA brought in Lean Training Specialists Sepp Gmeiner of Lignum Consulting & Brad Cairns of Center for Lean Learning & Best Damn Doors spent the day training in detail how the principles of Lean relate to wood manufacturing.

A recurrent reaction to Lean is “I don’t think it can work for me, I’m too custom.” But as the training unfolds throughout the day, the principles showcase that they can apply in all areas of the business. From the office to factory – from kitchen cabinet makers, millwork, office furniture & moldings – Lean works everywhere.

Brad Cairns showcases a clip from one of his employees (Best Damn Doors) giving feedback on Lean Principles in the workplace.

“When you follow these behaviors we’re gonna create a great (work) culture”. – Best Damn Doors (employee)

The first half of the event is centric around a deeper understanding of the principles with real-world examples, and then those principles are put into action and proven in real time in a workshop.

Sepp Gmeiner leads the workshop on real-time measured examples.

Fundamental to the Bluewater Wood Alliance is our mission to raise the powers of innovation of our members and increase their know how. The BWA partnering with Brad Cairns and Sepp Gmeiner has built an empowering training platform where manufacturers of wood products and suppliers are gaining an important and game-changing platform to increase efficiencies and drive down waste.

For those who want to continue the learning experience and focus deeper on their shops, the BWA has worked with Brad, Lynn & Sepp to facilitate such a request. Many companies are moving forward with the next steps of the BWA Lean Program.

To learn more about the BWA Lean Program and more details about this event, please contact Ryan Tabone at Email: ryantabone@bluewaterwoodalliance.com