Lean Business Programme celebrates 50th milestone

NZTE Media Release: Lean Business Programme celebrates 50th milestone

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)’s Lean Business Programme recently celebrated its 50th course since the programme was launched in November 2008.

“Over the past three years, more than 1100 business owners and senior managers from more than 300 companies have attended a Lean Business course,” says NZTE’s Director Better Business Services Peter Bull.

“When we first introduced the programme, we were unsure of potential demand, how many courses would be run, or how many businesses would take up the challenge of implementing ‘lean’ principles into their business, but to have reached 50 courses with more than 1000 participants is just fantastic.

“As a result of the Lean Business programme and other NZTE lean initiatives, more than 200 companies have adopted lean principles within their businesses. That’s not just good for each company, but good for New Zealand business overall as more learn about lean and it is extended through supply chains.”

Mr Bull says that NZTE’s Lean Business Programme is designed to encourage companies to implement systems and processes within their businesses that improve productivity and lift overall business performance.

“The programme helps companies improve productivity, become more competitive, grow sales and increase profits.”

NZTE’s Lean Business Programme is based on the successful Toyota Production System in Japan, which has proven application within all areas of business operation and across all business sectors – from manufacturing to all types of services, and emphasises the need to build a culture of continuous improvement over the long-term. The programme includes a two-day course to help owners and senior managers understand the principals and benefits of applying lean business systems and the importance of leadership to success.

“Initially the programme was targeted at manufacturing companies, but in 2010 we introduced a version of the course for businesses that deliver a service rather than a product. As a result, software, health services, product design, and education services companies are now participating in the programme, and we have also run courses for industry groups,” Mr Bull says.

To assist companies with the ongoing implementation of lean principles, NZTE has also established lean networks throughout the country to provide companies with a forum to learn from each other and share insights and ideas on progress. The networks are an important element in assisting companies to sustain lean within their businesses and continue to lift the bar on the level of productivity improvements they achieve.

For more information about NZTE’s Lean Business Programme visit www.nzte.govt.nz/leanbusiness

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