True Lean-a Toyota/University of Kentucky Partnership Since 1994

True Lean is the only official Toyota sponsored program in the world teaching the true essence of the Toyota Production System (TPS). Initiated by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), our Mission is to systematically explore, study, and teach the workings of TPS. Our Instructors/Coaches are former Toyota Leadership, many among Toyota’s first North American management who learned by doing, not by PowerPoint. Our team transfers their Toyota knowledge and experience with TPS and Toyota Way, with a high focus on culture/people engagement at every level. True Lean is a System. It is more than Kata, or Six Sigma, or a toolbox. Our team partners with organizations to develop their customized strategy based upon where they are on the Lean Journey. Housed in the UK College of Engineering, Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD), True Lean maintains an ongoing relationship with Toyota including a Toyota Executive-in-Residence. True Lean provides on-campus or onsite sessions and coaching. On-campus includes a specially designed lab, and the leadership session includes a Toyota walking tour.