Implementing a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology at a compound animal feed manufacturer in Ireland

This study aims to propose a tailored Lean Six Sigma framework providing an  accessible Lean Six Sigma methodology for compound feed manufacturers  with the aim of mitigating rising costs and increasingly complex demands from customers.Design/methodology/approach A Lean Six Sigma framework was designed combining Lean value stream mapping and Six Sigma structured  problem-solving with a case study in an Irish compound feed manufacturer Findings The study found that the Lean Six Sigma implementation framework provided a simplified approach, which fitted the resource availability within compound feed manufacturing Research limitations/implications The study is limited by the constraints of a sole case study in providing  empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the framework. Nevertheless,  a conceptual Lean Six Sigma model is proposed, which will assist compound  feed manufacturers implementing a continuous improvement approach. Originality/value This paper proposes a simplified approach to the implementation  of Lean Six Sigma in agricultural compound feed manufacturers and in small and medium-sized organisations. This is the first such study in Ireland and  will add to the body of work on Lean in agriculture and aid other agri-businesses and compound feed manufacturers in understanding how Lean Six Sigma can benefit</p