AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference
Tours
Tour
The Kerry One Plant System, engaging everyone In success
Tools that empower growth and engagement
OVERVIEW
During the Kerry tour, participants will experience how an integrated management system drives daily performance, engagement and continuous improvement across the facility. The visit begins with an introduction to Kerry’s tier system and visual metrics, where teams escalate and cascade information through Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 boards. Participants will see how real-time data, visual controls and structured communication routines enable rapid problem identification, alignment across departments and consistent follow-through.
Participants will then observe gemba walks in action, highlighting leadership’s active role in supporting operations. Leaders regularly visit the floor to understand current conditions, coach teams and connect observations to systems such as problem follow-up (PFU), tier meetings and daily performance reviews. This disciplined approach demonstrates how Kerry sustains accountability and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
The tour also highlights Kerry’s focus on engagement, demonstrated through activities such as tier meetings, SMED events, KEEP improvements, root cause analysis, skills matrix development and the leadership training program. Participants will see how these tools build capability, strengthen ownership and empower team members at every level.
Together, these elements provide a comprehensive view of how Kerry aligns people, processes and leadership behaviors to achieve operational excellence.
Participants will then observe gemba walks in action, highlighting leadership’s active role in supporting operations. Leaders regularly visit the floor to understand current conditions, coach teams and connect observations to systems such as problem follow-up (PFU), tier meetings and daily performance reviews. This disciplined approach demonstrates how Kerry sustains accountability and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
The tour also highlights Kerry’s focus on engagement, demonstrated through activities such as tier meetings, SMED events, KEEP improvements, root cause analysis, skills matrix development and the leadership training program. Participants will see how these tools build capability, strengthen ownership and empower team members at every level.
Together, these elements provide a comprehensive view of how Kerry aligns people, processes and leadership behaviors to achieve operational excellence.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Founded in 1972 in County Kerry, Ireland, Kerry began as a dairy protein manufacturer and has since evolved into a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions. Today, Kerry operates in more than 150 countries, serving the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries with innovative ingredient technologies.
The Jackson, Wisconsin, facility, established in 1987, was Kerry’s first manufacturing site in North America. The site plays a critical role in Kerry’s global network, specializing in spray drying, blending, packaging and distribution of high-quality ingredients used in everyday consumer products.Charter Steel is a U.S.-based supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel products to customers around the world. Charter Steel is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies, which also in
www.kerry.com
The Jackson, Wisconsin, facility, established in 1987, was Kerry’s first manufacturing site in North America. The site plays a critical role in Kerry’s global network, specializing in spray drying, blending, packaging and distribution of high-quality ingredients used in everyday consumer products.Charter Steel is a U.S.-based supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel products to customers around the world. Charter Steel is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies, which also in
www.kerry.com
Requirements & Restrictions
Requirements:
Safety glasses (tour site to provide)
Restrictions:
No recording devices
No mobile phones
No jewelry
Safety glasses (tour site to provide)
Restrictions:
No recording devices
No mobile phones
No jewelry
TAGS
Click on a tag to discover more sessions with that theme, topic or level.
Click on a tag to discover more sessions with that theme, topic or level.
Tools that empower
Operations improvement
Level: Intermediate
