Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba
September 9–11, 2025 | Kentucky Tour
Manufacturers Resource Center
October 28, 2025
In September, manufacturing leaders from across the Lehigh Valley and beyond traveled to the heart of Kentucky’s Lean excellence for a transformative, three-day learning experience — the Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba.
Designed exclusively for MRC’s manufacturing community, this training brought Continuous Improvement champions and organizational stakeholders directly into environments where Lean isn’t just practiced — it’s lived every day.
Guided by a Renowned Lean Leader
Participants learned directly from Mike Hoseus, co-author of Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way, whose career with Toyota includes deep experience in Human Resources, leadership development, and operational excellence.
Through hands-on learning and open discussion, Mike provided invaluable insights into how sustainable Lean cultures are built — with people at the center. One key takeaway emphasized that true transformation happens when continuous improvement is paired with continuous development of people.
Through hands-on learning and open discussion, Mike provided invaluable insights into how sustainable Lean cultures are built — with people at the center.
If we want real transformation, we must connect continuous improvement with continuous people development.
Learning at the Source – Across three immersive days, attendees:
- Visited active manufacturing operations practicing mature Lean methodologies
- Observed frontline problem-solving in real time
- Experienced the essential connection between culture, leadership, and results
- Participated in interactive debriefs and reflection sessions
- Benchmarked high-performance systems and best practices
Each stop reinforced the core Lean principle: the best learning happens where the work is done —at the Gemba.
A Unique Opportunity to Learn Together
The trip fostered collaboration among diverse organizations — each with different strengths, challenges, and goals — united by a shared commitment to operational excellence.
Participants returned home with:
- Fresh strategies to strengthen their internal CI programs
- New perspectives on leadership development
- Practical approaches for engaging and growing their workforce
- A strong peer network to support continued progress
This wasn’t just a tour; it was an energizing reminder of what continuous improvement can achieve when culture and process move forward together. MRC is proud to offer this rare learning opportunity and is excited to see how our participants bring their insights to life within their organizations.