Seven professionals from the Mitchell manufacturing community have successfully completed the Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program facilitated by South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions (SD MTS) and hosted at the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce.

The six-month program is designed to help supervisors and emerging leaders strengthen their leadership skills while applying Lean Manufacturing principles to improve processes, develop stronger teams, and deliver greater value to their organizations.

Building Stronger Leaders Through Lean Principles

Participants attended six full-day classes consisting of 12 training modules throughout the six-month program. The curriculum combined practical leadership development with proven Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.

Training topics included:

• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Personal Values
• DiSC Profile
• Listening Skills
• Problem Solving
• Root Cause Analysis
• Coaching and Influence Skills
• Motivation and Delegation
• Priority Management
• Handling Difficult Conversations

By combining leadership development with process improvement, the program gives supervisors tools they can immediately apply in their workplaces.

Putting Learning Into Practice

The graduation ceremony was held at the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, where each participant presented a course-long project focused on influencing skills and process improvement.

Rather than keeping the concepts in the classroom, participants applied what they learned to real challenges within their organizations. Their projects demonstrated measurable improvements in key areas of manufacturing performance, including cost, quality, and delivery.

All seven graduates were able to demonstrate improvements within their operations as a result of their work.

Respect for People and Continuous Improvement

The Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program is aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles derived from the Toyota Production System (TPS).

A primary focus of the program is Respect for People—recognizing that successful continuous improvement depends on developing, supporting, and empowering the people doing the work every day.

The program also reinforces two additional principles: Continuous Improvement and Delivering Value to the Customer. Together, these principles help manufacturing leaders create stronger teams, improve processes, solve problems more effectively, and build a culture where improvement becomes part of everyday operations.

Congratulations to the 2026 Graduates

SD SDMTScongratulates the professionals who completed the Mitchell Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program:

• Kate McKinnon, Dakota Pump
• Ben Fuerst, Patzer Woodworking
• Robert Jokumsen, Dakota Pump
• Monte Bordewyk, Innovative Systems Limited
• Carlos Miranda, Etria
• Tim Wagner, Dakota Pump
• Johanna Allen, Mitchell Chamber of Commerce

The program was facilitated by Stuart Giere, Business Advisor for SD MTS.

Congratulations to each participant for their commitment to professional development, continuous improvement, and strengthening South Dakota’s manufacturing community.

Develop the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders

Strong supervisors play an important role in building productive teams, improving operations, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

The Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program from SD SDMTShelps manufacturing leaders develop the practical skills they need to communicate effectively, solve problems, coach employees, manage priorities, and lead meaningful improvements within their organizations.

Interested in bringing Lean + Leadership training to your organization or participating in an upcoming program? Contact South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions to learn more about leadership development and Lean training opportunities.