Lean Printing

Your pathway to success….


In today’s competitive environment, it is mandatory for printers to find new ways to reduce costs, waste, and setup time while adding value to the products they offer their customers. Lean manufacturing is the solution!


By examining proven techniques, Lean Printing: Pathway to Success shows the benefits that come from engaging the entire workforce in recognizing value-adding processes and eliminating waste—whether that means wasted material, wasted motion, or wasted time. Specifically, Lean Printing examines: 

• The history and foundations of Lean manufacturing
• The 5S method—sort, straighten, shine, standardize, and sustain
• Setup reduction
• Total productive maintenance
• How to build in quality at the source
• Visual management
• Kaizen—continuous improvement
• Value steam mapping
• Incorporating consistent flow in the printing process



Kevin Cooper has worked in printing and manufacturing for twenty years. He is currently a professor of graphic communication at California Polytechnic State University and actively presents and consults with printers on Lean manufacturing methods. 


Malcolm G. Keif is an associate professor at California Polytechnic State University specializing in flexography, quality management in the graphic arts, and estimating and costing. He has worked in the printing and packaging industry for over twenty years. 


Kenneth L. Macro, Jr. is an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University specializing in Lean manufacturing, print production management, marketing and sales, and training program development. He is also the current vice president of the Southwest Region of the International Graphic Arts Education Association.