Getting Lean: Assessing the Benefits of Lean
Production in Factory Built Housing (December 2005, 85
p)
This document, Getting Lean: Assessing the Benefits of
Lean Production in Factory Built Housing, is the final
report of the first phase of a planned multi-year research
effort to develop and implement lean production techniques
for the factory built housing industry.
This research effort consisted of two parts. First, a benchmarking
survey was conducted of home manufacturers across the country.
Benchmarking current performance is a necessary first step
in implementing lean production improvements as it provides
a series of metrics to gauge future progress. The results
of the benchmarking study also help guide future implementation
efforts.
Second, an in-depth assessment was conducted at one case
study plant. This case study was used to test the process
of developing lean techniques for a homebuilding plant.
Lean production has been successful in transforming other
industries, notably automotive manufacturing. With a focused
research program and the commitment of leading manufacturers,
similar results may be achievable in the factory homebuilding
industry. The successful transformation of factory homebuilding
into a lean industry will provide substantial benefits to
consumers of affordable housing, as well as improve the health
of the industry for years to come.
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