Lean Manufacturing

Who we are

The Strategic Manufacturing Unit (SMU) helps companies increase productivity and competitiveness through on-site operation assessments, practical recommendations, and guidance regarding resources for implementation.

Make your organization Lean with the SMU

With production costs rising and competition growing, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to either maintain or grow their competitive position. However, there are solutions.

One solution is the implementation of the Lean manufacturing process. Lean manufacturing is a philosophy that concentrates on the reduction of waste. Essentially, through the elimination of waste, manufacturing facilities experience improved quality, and reduced production time and costs.

In order to help businesses become Lean, Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (AEII) has implemented the Lean Enterprise Assessment Program (LEAP). For more about this program, see:

The in-house Strategic Manufacturing Unit (SMU) helps companies increase productivity and competitiveness through on-site operation assessments, practical recommendations, and guidance regarding resources for implementation.

The SMU comprises professionals with over 40 years of hands-on experience in Lean manufacturing, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, continuous improvement, and change and supply chain management.

The SMU, along with their industry and academic partnerships, are well equipped to provide your organization with the assistance it needs to improve its competitiveness.

For more about SMU professionals, see:

What does the SMU provide?

The Strategic Manufacturing Unit (SMU) provides:

  • a team of professionals who have extensive experience in manufacturing

  • the resources Alberta companies need, in both information and expertise

  • training, certification, and contacts for companies seeking to improve their performance and profits

  • a means for networking with numerous stakeholders (academia, industry associations, and government bodies - municipal, provincial and federal)

How can the SMU help you?

The experts in our SMU unit can help your organization in a number of ways. Our manufacturing professionals:

  • can assess and analyze your operations

  • provide recommendations for applying Lean methodologies to optimize production, space, and costs

  • offer services such as employee training, access to private sector consultants, and training resources within the province

  • can provide information about other government programs of which Alberta manufacturers can make use

Take your operation to the next level of world-class manufacturing excellence!

For more information on the SMU or to schedule your own Lean assessment, see:

Date Updated: Feb 01, 2008
RDP-608