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Foundations of Lean Certification | Winter 2026
Event Date:
January 19, 2027
Event Time:
8:30 AM
Event Location:
Manufacturers Resource Center, 7200A Windsor Ave, Allentown, PA, 18106
As the foundation of a Lean Enterprise, standardization sets expectations for process performance and provides the basis for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
This program features an immersive learning experience through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experimentation in MRC’s Lean Manufacturing Factory simulation. Upon completion of all course work and a demonstration of understanding through a capstone test and case study, participants are “Foundations of Lean” certified by MRC.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
In MRC’s Foundations of Lean Certification Program, participants will learn how to:
- Evaluate manufacturing processes to identify value-adding activities and how to find opportunities to eliminate waste that exists within those activities
- Apply the concepts of One-Piece Flow, 5S Workplace Organization, Quality at the Source (Mistake-Proofing), Visual Controls, Plant Layout, Cellular Manufacturing, Pull Systems, Kanban, Work Balancing, and Standard Work
- Create standards to reduce process variation
- Generate one-best-way Job Methods to improve process consistency
- Create Job Breakdowns to standardize Job Instruction
- Install process checks to sustain process performance
- Improve equipment setups/changeovers using Lean methods
- Introduction to Team Building Techniques and individual DiSC Assessments
Who SHOULD ATTEND
Recommended for anyone looking to gain an understanding of Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing methodologies and those with prior experience looking to refresh or enhance their previous training including:
CI Team Members, Team Leads, Operators, Engineers, Support Staff, and Plant Managers.
Questions? Contact Nicole Pierce at (484) 655-4873 or nicole.pierce@mrcpa.org.
INSTRUCTORS
Gene Kaschak | VP, Continuous Improvement & Leadership Development Strategy
Gene Kaschak brings a hands-on, people-first approach to Lean manufacturing and workforce development at MRC. He leads MRC’s Lean Manufacturing Programs, helping manufacturers build practical, lasting capability in Lean, not just theory. At the core of his work is a strong belief that sustainable improvement comes from valuing and developing the people doing the work.
He is the driving force behind the Foundations of Lean Factory Experience, an immersive training environment that simulates a real factory floor. Participants gain hands-on experience and leave with skills they can apply immediately.
Gene partners with manufacturers across the region to deliver customized Lean solutions, including process improvement, workforce training, and problem-solving. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and is a certified TWI Job Instruction and Toyota Kata trainer.
Janelle Rabenold, MSHRM, SHRM-SCP | Director, Leadership Development and Training Strategy
Janelle Rabenold is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in Organizational Development, specializing in leadership and talent development. She helps individuals and teams achieve personal and business goals and is a trusted coach, facilitator, and strategic partner.
Her expertise includes situational leadership, team dynamics, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and strategic initiatives such as succession planning, change management, strategy development, and performance optimization.
Janelle holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management & Learning and Performance Management from Moravian University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Albright College. She is SHRM-SCP certified and trained in tools including DiSC, MBTI, TKI, FIRO-B, Watson Glaser, Belbin, OCI, Prosci, DDI, Phillips ROI, and Caliper. She brings a strong commitment to continuous improvement, helping organizations and individuals drive meaningful growth and lasting results.
Amrish Thaker | Continuous Improvement Coach
Amrish Thaker, Continuous Improvement Coach at MRC, is a distinguished leader with extensive expertise in Lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, driving operational excellence across industries like furniture, printing, and direct mail. With a focus on enhancing quality, service, reliability, staff optimization, and profitability, he excels in leadership development, offering training in Kaizen, daily management, problem-solving, Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits,” and team dynamics. His career includes pivotal roles such as Corporate Continuous Improvement Director at MillerKnoll and Brown Printing, President/CEO of MULLER MARTINI CORP.’s mailroom division managing a $100M P/L, and Regional Director of Operations at Valassis/ADVO overseeing a $160M P/L. Holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, an MBA in marketing and finance, and certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean practitioner, Amrish has also led multimillion-dollar plant startups and provided global manufacturing support at RR Donnelley.
ENTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Ticket Options
Attendee Information :
Note: All registration fees must be received in advance of the date of your event. MRC must be notified two weeks in advance of this event if you need to cancel, otherwise we can only grant a credit to another MRC event. Remember, you can also send a substitute.