About Us

Making a Positive Difference in Michigan's Future

The Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) was founded in 2008 by a group of forward-thinking individuals who firmly believed that if every Michigan organization used lean principles, the state's economy would rebound.

The founders' goal was to spread lean principles and tools throughout the state to make Michigan the best place in the country to live, learn, and earn.

Our Mission

Transform Michigan’s organizations and economy by developing and supporting Lean Systems thinkers.

Our Vision

The primary resource in Michigan that supports, mentors, and encourages Lean Systems thinkers.

Core Values

Respect for people
Inclusion of all learners at any level and with any experiences
Teaching and learning

Goals

To have a significant impact on Michigan public, private, and educational organizations and their employees, students, educators, customers, and clients, that results in:

Increased knowledge of lean practices and principles
Improved service
Improved quality
Improved safety
Increased creation and retention of jobs in Michigan through implementation of lean practices and expanded knowledge of lean principles
Improvement in Michigan’s dashboard and the dashboards in Michigan organizations

Governance

MLC is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.

Members and Activities

Today, the MLC has more than 950 members representing 15-plus industries and broad spectrum of lean expertise - from novice to advanced.

Geographically, our membership covers the entire state - from Detroit to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula.

We host monthly events and an annual conference that are open to members and non-members alike. Our presenters are leaders in business, government, and consulting.

Visit our membership page for more information.

Our Founders