Posted on: Friday 27 February 2026
World-renowned lean management experts have been working with local manufacturing businesses, thanks to an initiative by the council and Torfaen Strategic Economic Forum.
The Toyota Lean Management Centre, based in Deeside, offers tailored training, in-depth diagnostics and coaching to help businesses improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Six companies spent the day at the centre learning about the lean manufacturing framework and four worked with a lean management coach to understand how to apply the principles to their businesses.
As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Funded programme, Mark Lloyd, from Fitzgerald Plant Services, in Cwmbran, also undertook training to become a Toyota Lean Champion to support other businesses.
This week, other companies got the chance to learn about the Toyota Lean Management approach at a Future Innovation Manufacturing Event at the Parkway Hotel, in Cwmbran.
Speakers included Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt, Nick Pearn, from Toyota Manufacturing UK, Mark Lloyd, from Fitzgerald Plant Services, and Kelly Howlett-Booth, Welsh Government Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive Strategy Manager.
Cllr Anthony Hunt, Council Leader, said: "We're committed to supporting the growth and resilience of our local manufacturing sector.
"The Toyota Lean Management approach offers practical, proven methods to help businesses streamline their processes, reduce waste and improve productivity.
"By adopting these principles, our manufactures can become more competitive, more sustainable and better equipped to respond to changing market demands. This will help to strengthen local jobs and long-term economic success for our communities."
Companies interested in learning more about the Toyota Lean Management approach, and future funding opportunities, contact Springboard Innovation Centre on sicreception@torfaen.gov.uk