AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference

Tours

Tour

Lean in highly complex products

Applying continuous improvement to high-mix, low-volume, complex products
OVERVIEW
Join us for an immersive tour of Leonardo DRS's 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility, where the company is three years into lean transformation that's reshaping how it workw. Unlike traditional lean showcases featuring high-volume repetitive production, Leonardo DRS is proving that lean principles can drive dramatic improvements in high-complexity, low-volume, labor-intensive manufacturing — the environment where many believe lean doesn't apply.

Observe multiple manufacturing cells operating to takt time, demonstrating how the company has established flow and tempo to meet customer demand while eliminating waste — even when building high-cost, customized products. Leonardo DRS's guides will explain the journey from hidden factory to transparent flow-based manufacturing and the unique challenges of creating rhythm and pull in non-repetitive work.

At each workstation, you'll see the company's lean daily management system in action through boards that drive accountability, problem-solving and continuous improvement at the front lines. Witness its 6S implementation throughout the facility, providing the foundation for visual management and standardization even with custom, complex products.

Learn about the company's lean boot camp program, its ambitious initiative to provide lean immersion training to all employees, creating a culture where continuous improvement is everyone's responsibility. See how they are developing lean thinking capabilities across the entire organization to tackle the unique challenges of complex product manufacturing.

Key takeaways include:
• Adapting lean principles to high-mix, low-volume environments
• Implementing standard work when every build has variation
• Practical 6S and visual management strategies for complex products
• Creating flow, tempo and pull in labor-intensive, custom manufacturing
• Building organizational capability through intentional training programs

This tour is perfect for organizations manufacturing complex products who wonder if lean can work in their environment.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
For more than 50 years, Leonardo DRS has built a legacy of technology leadership by providing advanced defense products, systems and solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied customers.

www.leonardodrs.com
Requirements & Restrictions
Requirements:
Steel-toed shoes (tour site to provide)
Safety glasses (tour site to provide)

Restrictions:
U.S. citizen only
No recording devices
No mobile phones
No competitors
TAGS
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Tools that empower
Operations improvement
Level: Intermediate

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