2025 Tour ADD-ons
ADD-ON TOUR OPTIONS
Enhance your summit experience by adding an exclusive tour—
gain firsthand insights from top organizations leading the way in Lean transformation!
Menlo/Zingerman's
Experience the power of lean and culture-driven innovation on the Menlo & Zingerman’s Tour. Discover Menlo Innovations’ unique approach to joyful work, then see lean principles in action at Zingerman’s Mail Order, where simple tools drive efficiency in a high-variability business.
Ford Rouge Plant/ Michigan Central
Experience the past, present, and future of innovation on the Ford Rouge Plant & Michigan Central Tour. Witness lean manufacturing in action on the legendary assembly line, then explore the transformation of Michigan Central into a hub for mobility and smart city solutions.
Menlo /Zingermans
TOUR
Tour Menlo Innovations
How we Built a workplace people
Tour Menlo Innovations’ software factory floor where you will hear from the team as they share Menlo’s history, values, culture and practices. You’ll hear about their journey and what it took to create an intentionally joyful culture.
Author and Chief Storyteller, Richard Sheridan, will be speaking to the group about the Menlo culture and everyone will receive a copy of Rich’s book, Joy Inc.
Tour Zingerman’s
Lean in a High Variability Business
Tour a working warehouse to see how lean principles work in action.
Walk the floor at Zingerman’s Mail Order’s e-commerce order fulfillment warehouse from receiving to shipping. See firsthand how simple lean tools like kanbans and routes can transform work from chaos to control.
This is a tour led by the crew who are deeply involved in lean work every day.
Author and Shingo Prize recipient, Dr. Jeffrey Liker, will be speaking to the group about Lean in a High Variability Business. All participants will receive a signed copy of Dr. Liker’s most recent book, Lean in a High Variability Business.
TAKE THE JOURNEY
History
CULTURE
Values
Practices
Ford Rouge Plant/ Michigan CentraL
TOUR
Ford Rouge Plant
Experience the power of Continuous Improvement at the historic Ford Rouge Plant, where innovation and lean principles have transformed manufacturing. This tour offers a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art F-150 assembly line, showcasing automation, sustainability initiatives, and cutting-edge production techniques. See how Ford integrates Lean Methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and drive operational excellence. Gain valuable insights into the evolution of modern manufacturing and how continuous improvement fuels success.
Michigan Central Tour
Step into the future of mobility and innovation at Michigan Central, a revitalized hub for cutting-edge technology and continuous transformation. This iconic landmark is being reimagined as a center for collaboration, automation, and smart city solutions, driving the next generation of lean advancements. Explore how leading companies are leveraging agile processes and continuous improvement to shape the future of transportation. This tour provides an inspiring look at how lean thinking extends beyond manufacturing to redefine industries and communities.
