Key note speakers

Ryan Tierney

Seating Matters and Lean Made Simple

Ryan Tierney is a globally renowned Lean advocate, speaker, and author dedicated to making Lean simple and accessible. His best-selling book Lean Made Simple has reached readers around the world, and his chart-topping podcast has inspired thousands to rethink how they work. Through his YouTube channel, Ryan shares real-world Lean tools and ideas from the shop floor. 

He hosts world-renowned factory tours in Limavady, Northern Ireland and speaks internationally to help teams turn continuous improvement into a way of life.

Tom Hughes

GembaDocs and Improvement Starts with I

Under Tom’s leadership, GembaDocs has earned a reputation for its innovative and user-friendly approach to simplifying complex processes, helping organisations thrive through operational excellence. A true champion of Lean thinking, Tom’s philosophy centres on leaders taking ownership, transforming themselves, and empowering those closest to the value to deliver meaningful change and continuous improvement.

Brian Meyers

FAT American Manufacturing and Lean By Doing

Brian Meyers is the owner of Fat American MFG and the creator of Lean by Doing. After over 20 years of running a traditional manufacturing business (read: old-school chaos), Brian slammed the brakes, flipped the script, and went full-lean—fast. Like, really fast. 

His hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach has caught the attention of lean thinkers around the globe, proving you don’t need a Six Sigma black belt or a decade in a Japanese dojo. You just need to do.

Alan Weir

Toyota UK

Alan Weir is the Deputy Managing Director for Production Operations at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.

Alan joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in 1991 during the construction phase of the vehicle plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire as a Production Control Specialist. During his time at the Burnaston vehicle plant he held several positions covering different functions in the plant, including Production Control & Logistics General Manager, Quality Assurance General Manager and Paint & Plastics Division Assistant General Manager.

In 2015 Alan transferred to Toyota Motor Europe in Brussels as General Manager of Toyota Motor Europe’s Production Control function. He took up his current position as Deputy Managing Director of Production Operations from January 2022. He is responsible for all vehicle manufacturing at the Burnaston plant including the vehicle refurbishment and customisation centre.

Born & raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Alan graduated from the University of Ulster in 1988. He has also worked for Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port and Ford Motor Company, Saarlouis Germany.

He is married with 2 daughters and in his spare time enjoys music, singing, running, swimming and his 2 dogs.

Paul Nolan

Adman Steel Sheds

In 2020, Paul and his team at Adman Steel Sheds began their Lean journey.  Like many companies, they faced initial challenges in making Lean work effectively. However, in the last two years, by adopting simple yet impactful Lean principles, they found the right path forward.

Adman Steel Sheds’ practical approach to Lean has caught the attention of businesses across Ireland. In fact, their success has been so widely recognised that they now offer a not-for-profit Lean factory tour to showcase their journey. With 600 visitors expected this year alone, it’s a must-see for any business looking to kickstart or enhance their Lean journey!

Whether you’re at the beginning of your Lean implementation or looking for fresh insights, Paul’s experiences are sure to inspire practical solutions that work.

Oliver Conger

British Rototherm

Paul Vallely

Kukoon Rugs

Russell Watkins

Sempai