In this special 65th-anniversary edition blog, we sat down with our Shop Foreman, Jason Hinds, to talk about how our team keeps the shop running efficiently and effectively using LEAN procedures and the TIM WOODS principles.
Q: Could you start by explaining what LEAN procedures are?
Jason Hinds: LEAN procedures are a structured way for us to keep getting better at the work we do every day.
At the shop level, that means looking at our processes, finding anything that slows us down and fixing it before it becomes a bigger problem.
LEAN helps us cut unnecessary costs, reduce mistakes and safety risks on the floor and keep jobs moving without delays. It’s all about making the workflow cleaner, safer, and more efficient so our team can do quality work the first time, and our customers get their equipment back faster.
Q: When did West End Rad start implementing LEAN procedures?
Jason Hinds: In January of 2025, I joined Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), a national association dedicated to the manufacturing sectors in Canada.
After taking part in the monthly meetings where I got to meet with other companies throughout Manitoba, we shared ideas about how we can better serve our customers.
Q: Why did West End Rad start implementing LEAN procedures?
Jason Hinds: As our sales were steadily increasing, I felt like the shop needed more structure and organization. We have a lot of moving parts, and without a structured system — things can quickly get out of hand.
At CME, the motto is “steal with pride”, and I was able to steal a lot of good ideas. One of those ideas being to focus on the 8 wastes of LEAN.
Q: What are the 8 wastes of LEAN?
Jason Hinds: The eight wastes of LEAN are principles that help companies identify places where they can become more efficient and cost effective.
There’s a handy acronym, “TIM WOODS” that helps everyone remember the principles.
The acronym stands for:
T – Transportation
I – Inventory
M – Motion
W – Waiting
O – Overproduction
O – Overprocessing
D – Defects
S – Skills
Q: What principles of waste has West End Rad tackled to date (2025)?
Jason Hinds: This year, we’ve made real progress in tackling several key TIM WOODS waste principles across the shop. One of our biggest focuses has been cutting down unnecessary walking, addressing both Transportation and Motion waste.
Q: Can you explain what changes you made to eliminate transportation and motion waste?
Jason Hinds: To support that, we’ve added clear floor markings that guide workers and visitors safely while defining machine zones, forklift routes and work-in-progress areas. It’s helped everyone understand the flow of the shop and work more efficiently
Q: How has organization played a role in reducing waste at West End Rad?
Jason Hinds: We introduced colour-coded departments, which keeps us organized even on our busiest days. Team members can borrow tools or supplies and know exactly where to return them, helping reduce a form of Inventory waste.
Q: How has overall shop cleanliness played a role in reducing waste?
Jason Hinds: We did a full decluttering purge of the building. Clearing out unused or outdated items has helped shorten task times and cycle times, since we’re no longer digging through things we don’t need. That effort directly addresses Waiting waste and boosts productivity.
Q: Would you recommend LEAN to other shops?
Jason Hinds: Absolutely. LEAN procedures have been one of the best changes we’ve made. They’ve helped our team stay organized and maintain a more efficient workflow. I’d recommend them to any shop looking to improve their system.
You can find more exciting content like this on our 65th Anniversary page!
