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Tailored Lean Manufacturing Program Delivers Lasting Change for JET Group

The journey began with an introduction to Lean principles, with 10 to 15 members of the manufacturing team completing initial training before progressing to a more advanced Lean program. From there, the business embarked on a six-month in-house program designed to embed Lean practices into its workshop.

Like many businesses, the process wasn't without its challenges.

"We got off to a rocky start," Shayne from JET Group said. "The original program wasn't quite the right fit for our workshop environment, so we paused, reassessed and worked with the Manufacturing Hub to tailor the training to what would deliver the most value."

Rather than following a standard, one-size-fits-all approach, the program was refocused around the Lean principles that best suited JET Group's operations. Two key areas - 5S workplace organisation and Kaizen continuous improvement - became the focus of six dedicated sessions.

"The cookie-cutter course wouldn't have achieved the same outcome. Being able to tailor the program made all the difference."

The workshop environment at JET Group is fast-paced and constantly changing, meaning not every Lean principle could be applied in the same way as a traditional manufacturing facility. By concentrating on the concepts that were most relevant, the business was able to achieve practical improvements that staff could adopt into their everyday work.

One of the biggest outcomes has been a noticeable cultural shift within the manufacturing team. The workshop is now more organised and consistent, with staff taking greater ownership of workplace standards and continuous improvement.

Along the way, JET Group also took advantage of other opportunities offered through the Manufacturing Hub, including networking events and an ISO-focused workshop. These experiences allowed the business to learn from a range of experts and "cherry-pick" the ideas and tools that best suited its operations.

"It was choosing what was relevant to us rather than trying to implement everything."

The experience reinforced the value of flexible, business-focused support. By adapting the program to suit its people and operations, JET Group has built stronger workplace practices and created a foundation for ongoing improvement.

For JET Group, the greatest benefit wasn't simply learning Lean principles, it was learning how to apply the right ones in a way that works for their business.