Slovakian Lean Institute (an official member of the Lean Global Network) organized Lean Manager Roundtable in Protherm production on the 30th of May. It is a professional discussion of 15 – 20 Lean Managers of manufacturing and non-manufacturing companies. International companies like Slovnaft, Tatra Banka, Gebauer & Griller Kabeltechnik, Manz Slovakia, Whirpool and so on.
We had an opportunity to introduce Protherm Production in Skalica to the Lean community in Slovakia. We also had a great chance to present our Vaillant Group Production system (VPS) and our mission to create a culture of continuous improvement, talk to experts in order to get their feedback, proposals, and recommendations.
„LMR is really nice and inspiring space how to get in touch with other Lean managers and exchange about Lean topics. Additionally I really like the chance to get their real feedback regarding our Plant and applied Continuous Improvement Approach.“
Lukáš Janík, Process Quality Engineer and VPS Plant Coach
Our main focus was to share our approach in developing the culture of continuous improvement. Starting with the introduction of our 7 lean principles introducing the most important one: Enjoy your work.
Then following the SHINGO Institute transformation model as an evaluation of the current status of culture implemented. In the end, we went to the shop floor to see the direct implementation of LEAN in our production.
During the GEMBA walk we got very positive feedback but some proposals for improvement as well.
„As one of the Lean Institute Slovakia activities, the Lean Manager Roundtable format provides an open and friendly space to share and discuss lean experience from different perspectives. In Skalica, we focused on cultural aspects of successful companies. I highly recommend to all lean enthusiasts. “
Andrej Vojtko, Process Engineer and VPS Plant Coach
What our visitors appreciated the most:
- In Protherm is a human on first place
- The atmosphere at the workplace
- Focus more on developing culture then implementing new methods and tools
- Improvement Ideas process without KPIs
- Paint shop organization
- Internal logistic
What is the main takeaway:
- Culture is mostly underestimated, but not in Protherm
- Focus on people and the numbers will come
- It is important to set up a mission and vision also for each department
- Anything we do or promote in our productions, we always have to speak with the language of our customers (in our case our operators – literally)
„ Implementation of CI Culture is a difficult but meaning full way, therefore we must be proud of what we are doing. The Lean Manager Roundtable format give us the opportunity to exchange best practice from the world of Lean Manufacturing and to see direct implementation of different approaches directly in the production.“
Marek Demčák, VPS Group Coach
Opening Lean Manager roundtable, 30th of May
GEMBA walk
PROTHERM projects presentations
