Lean Manufacturing in Practice at Nissan – Sunderland

This best practice visit offers delegates the opportunity to explore lean manufacturing and operational excellence within one of the UK’s leading automotive production facilities.

Hosted at Nissan Sunderland, the visit provides insight into the manufacturing practices, leadership approaches, and continuous improvement systems that have supported Nissan’s journey to becoming a centre of excellence. Delegates will hear directly from the Nissan team about the challenges faced, the decisions taken, and the lessons learned along the way.

The day combines structured discussion with in-depth factory visits, enabling participants to see lean principles applied across real production environments and understand how improvement is led, sustained, and embedded.

Best Practice Focus

This visit focuses on practical lean and operational excellence, including:

• Lean manufacturing fundamentals

• Standard operations and process discipline

• 5S and workplace organisation

• Continuous improvement culture

• Leadership behaviours that sustain lean

• Applying Total Quality Management (TQM) on the shop floor

The emphasis is on understanding how lean works in practice, not just in theory.

Who Should Attend

This visit is designed for:

• Organisations at the early or developing stages of their lean journey

• Manufacturing and operations leaders

• Continuous improvement practitioners

• Supervisors and team leaders

It is particularly valuable for teams seeking practical examples of operational excellence in a high-volume environment.

What You Will Experience

Delegates will take part in a structured, interactive programme including:

• A meet-and-greet session to align on learning objectives

• Facilitated discussion on chosen focus areas such as standard operations, 5S, and CI

• Two guided factory visits across key production areas, including:

  • Plastics, Press, and Body Shop

  • Trim & Chassis (T&C), with shop-floor TQM discussion

• Multiple Q&A sessions to reflect on observations and learning

The visit is flexible, practical, and shaped around delegate interests.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the visit, delegates will:

• Understand how lean principles are applied in a live manufacturing environment

• Gain insight into leading and sustaining lean improvement programmes

• Learn how continuous improvement culture is developed on the shop floor

• Take away practical ideas to apply within their own operations

Host Experts

The visit is hosted by experienced Nissan professionals, including:

• Training Controller (ABA AITT CAT 4 Tutor / Level 5 Lean Practitioner)

Their involvement ensures insight grounded in real delivery and operational experience.

Indicative Agenda

08:45–09:00 – Meet and greet and alignment on focus areas

09:00–10:00 – Deeper dive into selected lean topics

10:00–12:00 – Factory visit 1: Plastics, Press, and Body Shop

12:00–12:40 – Lunch

12:40–13:15 – Q&A following the morning visit

13:15–15:00 – Factory visit 2: Trim & Chassis with shop-floor TQM discussion

15:00–16:00 – Final Q&A and close

About Stratagia Best Practice Visits

Stratagia best practice visits are designed to be authentic, practical, and inspiring. They provide leaders and practitioners with direct exposure to real organisations, real challenges, and real ways of working, bridging the gap between theory and practice.