This publication was developed during the Lean Processing Programme (LEAP) which ran from 1997 to 2000. The programme was sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (Innovative Manufacturing Initiative) and a network of UK automotive /steel supply chain firms: Corus, Thyssen Krupp Automotive Body Products, TKA Chassis Camford, Tallent Engineering Lid, GKN Autos true lures Ltd, Steel & Alloy Processing Ltd, LDV Ltd and Wagon Automotive -UK/USA. Corus was formed in October 1999 by the merger of British Steel and Koninklijke Hoogovens. We would like to thank ail these organisations for their generous support in both time and finances.

The Lean Processing Programme was designed to extend Lean Thinking into this particular group of firms and their associated customer base. Over a three year period it has sought to make radical and incremental change both within and between the firms as well as at a network level. Specific improvement have been made: better understanding of customer requirements, improved learning culture in the firms, faster reaction time, improved delivery performance, reduced new product time to market, better quality product, improved productivity and increased business opportunities.

Printed versions are no longer available, though you can download a copy, as a pdf file by clicking the above "Download" link.