The Lean Learning Center was sketched out, quite literally, on the back of a napkin at dinner when lean experts  Andy Carlino and Jamie Flinchbaugh, veterans of both the DaimlerChrysler and DTE Energy lean initiatives, were discussing the hurdles that hold companies back from lean transformation.  They were convinced that the problem was a focus on teaching the tools of lean (kaizen, 5s, PCDA, etc) without the 'backbone' of lean thinking, which provides the understanding behind the applications.  

In 2001, in partnership with Dennis Pawley, retired executive VP of Manufacturing for DaimlerChrysler, Carlino and Flinchbaugh opened the Center with a goal of of articulating, teaching and supporting the application of true lean principles, affecting the way people think about what they do, day in and day out.  As one attendee commented: “The Lean Learning Center is the only place I know that teaches lean systems thinking. There are a lot of people teaching the tools. However, without the 'system thinking' it is like trying to build a house with a hammer and saw, but not a blueprint.”

In addition to its advanced lean curriculum, the Center features an environment designed specifically for adult learning far more resembling a child care facility than a corporate training site -- featuring cushy chairs, moveable furniture and whiteboards, shelves full of books, toys and open space.  Teaching techniques include discovery simulations, case studies, personal planning, and journaling.

The Center also provides on-site lean consulting to a variety of industries.  It has helped numerous Fortune 500 companies in their quest for lean transformation including Harley Davidson, Visteon, Land O'Lakes, Intel, Northrop Grumman, DTE Energy and more.

In 2006, the Center founded its own Instructional Design Studio and began a line of Lean Learning Center branded products, including the MouseTrap Experience and Single Point Lessons, providing companies tools to help implement lean on a daily basis.  In addition, partners Flinchbaugh and Carlino authored the Society of Manufacturing Engineer's best selling book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean."