33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) - Osaka and Kyoto, Japan - 2025

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0261

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

Robert Leicht1, Blake Tormey2, Rob Walter3 & Elnaz Asadian4

1 Professor, Architectural Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University USA, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6705-8141
2Director, Process and Controls, KHS&S Contractors, Anaheim, CA, USA, [email protected]
3Chief Operating Officer, KHS&S Contractors, Anaheim, CA, USA, [email protected]
4DPR Construction, Newport Beach, CA, USA, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3146-7725

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Craft workers, field personnel, and training

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Leicht, R., Tormey, B., Walter, R. & Asadian, E.. (2025). KHS&S – a Case Study of Lean Training for Trade Contractors. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1551–1561). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0261

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Leicht, R., Tormey, B., Walter, R. & Asadian, E.. (2025). KHS&S – a Case Study of Lean Training for Trade Contractors. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0261

 

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