Zingerman’s Mail Order (ZMO), one of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, began its lean transformation 15 years ago after deciding that its 3rd relocation in 6 years due to 25-35% year-over-year growth was its last! There had to be a better way to solve its biennial capacity problem. And of course there was with lean thinking.
Tom Root, ZMO’s Managing Director, sat down with Josh Howell for a wide-ranging conversation about several phases of ZMO’s lean transformation, including the challenge of establishing a culture of continuous improvement with full participation, and how lean thinking could impact the food industry that’s in desperate need of a better way. You can listen to the podcast here. Also download a transcipt of the conversation here.
While ZMO’s lean transformation has benefited from serendipity at times, through reflection Tom and Josh identify a few practical takeaways that can help others instigate and motivate frontline workers to incorporate improvement into their work. Have a listen to learn more!
You can also go and see ZMO’s lean transformation on the upcoming Midwest U.S. Lean Transformation Learning Tour happening October 17-21, 2022. It includes stops at Menlo Innovations and the MillerKnoll.
Lean Transformation Learning Tour
Learning how other organizations use and benefit from lean thinking and practices will inspire you as you take the next steps in your lean transformation — and give you the information and inspiration you need to do so.
