Kerry Plant Tour: One Kerry 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 (1KPS) supports daily performance, engagement and continuous improvement across the facility. The visit begins with an introduction to Kerry’s tier meeting structure, visual management processes and short interval control practices. Participants will see how teams use Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier3 boards to review performance, identify issues, escalate challenges, and align priorities across departments. The tour will also highlight how structured communication routines and visual metrics drive accountability and support timely problem resolution.
Participants will learn how operational issues are tracked and managed through Kerry’s Problem Follow-Up (PFU) process, which provides a consistent framework for identifying root causes, assigning actions, and ensuring sustainable solutions. Together, the tier meeting structure, short interval control process, and PFU system demonstrate how information flows throughout the organization and how teams work collaboratively to address opportunities for improvement.
The tour will also showcase Kerry’s commitment to employee engagement and capability development through initiatives such as tier meetings, SMED events, employee resource groups, skills matrix development, and leadership training programs. Participants will see how these tools help build problem-solving skills, strengthen ownership, and empower employees at every level of the organization.
Together, these elements provide a practical view of how Kerry aligns people, processes, and leadership behaviors to support operational excellence and continuous improvement
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.
Requirements & Restrictions
Requirements:
- Leather like closed-toe shoes (No high heels)
- Long or short-sleeved shirt/blouse
- Long pants (no shorts, skirts, dresses)
- Safety glasses (tour site to provide)
- No Jewelry
Restrictions:
- No recording devices
- No mobile phones
Lunch: Will be served in the keynote room at the Baird Center.
Tour participants will depart from and return to the Baird Center. Conference participants are not allowed to arrive to/depart from a tour site on their own.
