What does lean@mibelle really mean, and how does it shape daily life at the Mibelle Group?
At its core, lean@mibelle is about making work easier and better, together. It’s a simple, people-focused approach to improvement. We focus on removing what hinders progress, simplifying our processes, and building a workplace where fun and functionality go hand in hand. It starts with leadership but involves everyone. When we say, “fix what bugs you,” we mean taking ownership of daily annoyances and transforming them into opportunities for better outcomes. The result? Happier teams, better performance, and a culture that thrives on making things better bit by bit, every day.
How do Lean practices make a difference — and what’s been achieved so far?
The impact has been huge. For example, we’ve seen a 75% reduction in processing times for display manufacturing, the time taken to assemble and prepare cardboard boxes that contain multiple products for retail display, and up to 70% shorter changeover times, the time required to switch from producing one display to another, across our sites. Not only that, but we were also able to streamline and remove redundant interfaces in our administrative processes.
It’s not just about numbers, 90% of employees engage with Lean each year, which shows how embedded it's become. The mindset shift is what really counts: instead of seeing problems as a burden, we treat them as puzzles to solve. hat’s Lean thinking — empowered, practical, and people-led.
What tools do you use to support Lean thinking and how do you help employees adopt them?
We use tools like 5S, A3, Six Sigma, and “Improvement Time,” but the most important tool is mindset. We also have TIM WOODS, our mascot who reminds us of the eight types of waste. What sets the Mibelle Group apart is how we coach people. We create a fun, pressure-free environment where people feel safe to experiment and grow. We celebrate progress, recognise contributions, and always make sure people feel supported. Lean isn’t an “extra task”, it’s a better way of doing the tasks you already have.
What are some common misunderstandings about Lean and how do you address them?
One big myth is that Lean is just about cutting costs. It’s not. It’s about making work more meaningful and less frustrating. The savings come as a natural result. Another is that Lean is a project with an end date. In truth, it’s a continuous journey. That’s why we say: Think Lean. Always. We share success stories and make wins visible to show how Lean helps, not hinders, our daily work. When people experience the benefits firsthand, they quickly become Lean champions.
What’s next for lean@mibelle?
We want to keep growing our Lean mindset across the business. That means more coaching, more ownership, and more people solving their own challenges. Our vision is for every employee to think Lean instinctively. We’re expanding our internal lean@mibelle academy to give everyone the skills and confidence to make Lean part of their daily routine. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. And we’ll keep celebrating every step forward.
Anything else you’d like to share with people?
Take a few minutes every day to fix something that’s bugging you – you’ll be surprised how much smoother everything gets! Suddenly, work feels more fun, and you’ll feel great knowing you made a difference. That’s the vibe of lean@mibelle: tackling the little things, feeling the big impact, and getting better together. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
