Lean Manufacturing
Take the Next Step Toward Lean Excellence
Maximize Efficiency. Minimize Waste. Drive Profitability.
In today’s competitive market, manufacturers must continuously improve to stay ahead. Lean Manufacturing is the key to reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and maximizing profitability. WMEP provides hands-on Lean transformation strategies to help Wisconsin manufacturers optimize operations and achieve sustainable success.
- Plant & Facility Layout
- Value Stream Mapping
- Rapid Improvement (Kaizen) Workshops
- 5S Workplace Organization
- Lean Six Sigma Training & Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Problem Solving
- Quick Changeovers & Setup Reduction
$147k
Average Annual Cost Savings Realized by WMEP Operations Clients
Our Services
Plant & Facility Layout
An outdated or inefficient layout can lead to wasted motion, poor flow, and lost productivity. WMEP helps manufacturers optimize their physical space to support lean operations and long-term growth, whether updating an existing facility or building new.
Click here to read the Wick Buildings Success Story: Laying the Groundwork for Growth.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
See where time, effort, and resources are lost across your operation. Through Value Stream Mapping, WMEP experts work with your team to analyze material and information flow, identify waste, and pinpoint improvement opportunities across critical processes such as the order-to-cash cycle—unlocking greater efficiency and smoother operations.
Rapid Improvement (Kaizen) Workshops
Accelerate improvement by bringing teams together to solve problems and improve processes quickly. WMEP Rapid Improvement Workshops engage employees directly in identifying waste, testing solutions, and implementing changes that improve efficiency and strengthen collaboration across the organization.
5S Workplace Organization
Create a visual, standardized, organized, and safe work environment through 5S implementation. By applying the principles of Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce errors, and build workplaces that support safety and employee engagement.
Lean Training & Certifications
Lean transformation requires capable leaders and engaged employees. WMEP helps manufacturers build internal Lean capability through leadership development, Lean principles training, and Lean Six Sigma certification programs—equipping teams to identify waste, solve problems, and continuously improve operations.
Lean Six Sigma Problem Solving
When quality issues persist or processes vary, Lean Six Sigma provides a disciplined approach to finding and fixing root causes. By applying structured methods such as DMAIC and data-driven analysis, manufacturers reduce defects, improve reliability, and deliver more consistent results to customers.
Quick Changeovers & Setup Reduction
Long changeovers quietly drain capacity. Often, the fastest path to higher throughput isn’t new equipment—it’s reducing setup time on the machines you already have. WMEP helps manufacturers analyze changeover processes, establish accurate baselines, and apply SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) principles to eliminate wasted time. By observing the work and standardizing best practices, teams can dramatically reduce changeover time and improve consistency across shifts.
The result: faster setups, greater machine uptime, smaller batch sizes, and more flexible production.
Case Studies
SharkCrates Reorganizes for Growth and Doubles Production Efficiency
Company Profile SharkCrates, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, designs and manufactures custom wooden shipping crates, pallets, and reusable wood packaging. Founded six years ago by Nate Collins and partners, this family-owned company is known for its craftsmanship, responsiveness, and commitment to quality. SharkCrates serves a wide range of industries that depend on durable, sustainable packaging to…
Lean Principles Impact Processes, People, and Performance at Kuhn North America
Company Profile Kuhn North America, based in Brodhead, Wisconsin, is part of a global corporation and agricultural equipment leader founded in 1828 and employing 6,000 worldwide. Its 500-employee Wisconsin facility designs and manufactures machinery for livestock feeding, manure management, and hay and forage production—continuing Kuhn’s long-standing reputation for quality, durability, and innovation. Situation With a…
Laying the Groundwork for Growth: Wick Buildings Designs a Lean Future with WMEP
Company Profile Wick Buildings, headquartered in Mazomanie, WI, has been a trusted leader in post-frame construction since 1954. Founded by John F. Wick, the company became employee-owned in 2013 through an ESOP. Now celebrating its 70th anniversary, Wick has constructed over 75,000 buildings—making it one of the largest post-frame builders in the nation. While originally…
Testimonials
Beth did an excellent job facilitating a diverse group of employees through the Value Stream Map process as it pertains to the manufacturing of brass brush holders. These holders are what contain a brush in a motor or generator. Two key results from the VSM included: a 5-day reduction in our quote lead time; and a 15% increase in weekly capacity.
Joe Miller
,Vice President OperationsHelwig Carbon Products