Honda returns to Auburn for Lean Manufacturing training
Published: May 27, 2025 1:05 PM
By Carla Nelson
More than 25 engineers and managers from the Honda Alabama Auto Plant recently returned to Auburn University to take part in Lean Manufacturing training offered through the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering’s (ISE) Tiger Motors Lab.
The full-day session, led by Tom Devall, director of Auto Manufacturing Initiatives in ISE, provided an interactive learning environment where participants engaged in Lean and mass production simulations. Known as the Lego Lab, the Tiger Motors Lab replicates an automotive assembly line to teach key principles like standardization, pull systems and continuous improvement.
This visit marks a continued collaboration between the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and Honda. The two organizations maintain an educational partnership, with more than 15 Honda associates currently pursuing online graduate certificates through ISE.
Michael Gaines, manufacturing control division leader and member of the Auburn ISE Alumni Council, said that the graduate certificate program has presented an excellent opportunity for Honda associates to build skills and advance their careers.
“Each year, we see renewed interest in this program, and we are proud to support our associates in their ongoing development,” he said.
The on-campus lab experience allows students and additional team members hands-on insight that enhances their understanding of Lean systems.
Steven Crowder, a manufacturing quality engineer at Honda, described the training as fun and revealing.
“It was fast-paced and interactive, and it gave a clear picture of how small inefficiencies can really add up in a production environment,” he said. “Being part of the assembly process helped me appreciate how each role contributes to the overall flow and how critical communication and coordination are when you're trying to meet customer demand.”
Crowder said the experience emphasized the importance of process design and upstream analysis.
“This lab reinforced the importance of looking upstream, not just where the defect is caught and asking whether the process design itself supports good quality,” he said. “That’s where true continuous improvement starts, and it’s critical in maintaining the standards needed for mass production success.”
Yvonne Jackson, manufacturing process engineering assistant manager at Honda, emphasized the benefits of real-time problem solving.
“The hands-on component of the training was important to quickly see the results of your actions, helping you understand what works and what doesn’t and adjust accordingly,” she said, adding that she will implement what she learned in the Tiger Motors lab by involving employees in the improvement process and encouraging them to share ideas and take ownership of changes.
Gaines noted that the training is directly tied to real-world applications.
“Our associates are effectively applying classroom lessons to real-world challenges they face at work,” he said. “When assigned group projects, they typically collaborate to utilize the new tools and techniques they are learning to address current issues. This approach makes their education relevant and rewarding, as they can implement improvements and demonstrate their newly acquired skills.”
He added that participation from both engineers and managers promotes shared learning and collaboration.
“They share what they've learned and applied in the Lego Lab, then discuss potential applications at our facility,” he said. “This collaboration has highlighted areas where we can adopt new approaches to some of our manufacturing methods.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 334-844-1404
The full-day session provided an interactive learning environment where participants engaged in Lean and mass production simulations.
