April 4, 2022 | Bill Esler
Quantum Lean, a full-day Lean Manufacturing symposium, will be presented on August 22, the day prior to the official opening of IWF 2022. Running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Quantum Lean attendees will walk away with a clear direction and action plan to kick off a lean journey that can save thousands of dollars.
Quantum Lean is among the most dynamic programs IWF presents, and features two immensely popular speakers: Brad Cairns and Lynn Thompson. Aimed at wood manufacturing managers who are ready for the changes required to get more from their existing resources, and who want to start the move to manufacturing excellence.
“We are going to unroll the ‘Lean Road Map’ so you can not only see where you’re at, but where you are going,” says Cairns, who also operates a cabinet door manufacturing business when he is not teaching Lean. “The day will be jam packed with live simulations to show Lean tactics in action.”
In Lean manufacturing, standardization is the key, so the program will focus on how to apply standards and deal with likely challenges along the way. “We like to make learning fun, so be prepared to participate!” says Thompson.
Wood business managers feeling the pain of hiring new people and keeping them, or challenged by managing inventory routine, will find solutions. “With today’s supply chain issues, it is even more important that we have the time to focus on the high risk items to keep our shops running,” says Cairns.
Attendees at Quantum Lean will return to their operations with another key tool: meaningful metrics to measure performance and confirm the effectiveness of Quantum Lean to deliver improvements in operations. “If you are a numbers person and increasing your throughput by 30-50 percent interests you, don’t miss this opportunity to take a Quantum leap forward over your competition,” says Cairns.
The tools and techniques of Lean can be applied to every process in the woodworking industry, Cairn says, whether your role is running a manufacturing company, a service operation, or you are in charge of the office environment.
“If you are an owner or manager of a company, and you are looking for that competitive advantage that is not just a flash in the pan or a price war, Lean thinking is your ticket,” he says.
Attendees at Quantum Lean will enjoy a catered lunch, include in the $350 program fee. For more information or to register, visit IWFAtlanta.com/education.
International Woodworking Fair
Tuesday–Friday
August 25–28, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30313