Lean and green principles 'can be implemented together'

Principles of lean processing could be used by firms that are looking to be more environmentally-friendly, as there are a number of synergies between lean and green.

Steve Brenneman, president of the Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC), used lean methods to improve productivity at the organisation, as well as green tactics to be more energy efficient.

Speaking to the Huffington Post, he explained he turned to lean three years ago in order to help the business through the economic downturn, which had seen sales drop.

As a result of the changes Mr Brenneman made, ATC was able to reduce its warehouse space from 105,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet.

This was achieved by improving the flow of materials, identifying wasted processes in the workplace and implementing a materials replenishment system.

ATC's main selling point against its rivals in the industry is the fact it builds trailers from scratch made entirely of aluminum.