EVENTS

These best practice visits are designed to inspire the participants along their companies' lean journeys and can also provide valuable feedback to the host companies. Participants learn about the host company's 'lean journey' in its relentless drive to be competitive, and uses process optimisation, lean management tools and - where relevant - AI/IoT to drive its business forward. During the 'Gemba' visit, participants will see the lean tools, used by the host company, in operation.

Please note: In light of uncertainties and disruption caused by the global outbreak of coronavirus, the Lean visits to Tetra Pak (packaging equipment) and to Ski Beat (hospitality / travel sector) were postponed. Similarly, forthcoming Lean in Europe visits have been suspended.

If you would like to be sent details of rescheduled and future Lean in Europe visits once they restart, please email us.

Previous Lean in Europe visits

The last eight visits were visits to BMW Group Plant Berlin; a double visit to Pneu Laurent and SKF Slewing Bearings (France); Applus+ IDIADA (Spain); a double visit to the Škoda Lean Center and to LEGO Production s.r.o. (Czech Republic); and single visits to Amorim & Irmãos (Portugal), Toyota's Deeside Engine Plant (UK), GKN Driveline Zumaia (Spain) and TRUMPF (Germany). Click here for details of all past (and postponed) visits.

Other resources to help you on your lean journey

In the meantime if you are interested in learning more about lean, please have a look at our Lean Masterclass - a series of 8 video lectures by Richard Keegan - the EU-Japan Centre's Lean Advisor. (Richard is also Adjunct Professor of Lean Operational Excellence at Trinity Business School.) The lectures were recorded in 2016 and focus on "Getting things done". In addition to watching/downloading the lectures you can also request copies of the presentation material and various publications written by Richard.