KHS&S – a Case Study of Lean Training for Trade Contractors

The trade contractor community in the US lags the general contractor community in adopting lean methods. Using a case study, this paper explores trade contractor adoption of lean methods and culture, emphasizing supporting the adoption of lean by field crews. In addition to highlighting the potential value, a case study presenting the training program adopted by KHS&S, a framing and drywall contractor, will demonstrate one example of how the methods can be introduced and supported to support broader field implementation and enhanced construction value for projects. Results highlight the certification process combining classroom learning, observations of the learned methods, and requirements for creating and sharing an improvement that engrains individual learning and supports the lean culture across the company.