+$50M
In savings achieved within three years
Change Management and Lean Training Savings: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement Across a Leading Class I Railroad
Industry: Transportation, Logistics and Services
Service: Operations Strategy and Transformation
Service: People and Organization
Our Client
A leading Class I railroad operating across a geographically dispersed network, integrating multiple acquired business units under a shared operational and cultural transformation.
The Challenge
The client needed to overcome entrenched cultural barriers and operational inefficiencies while aligning diverse business units under one Lean-driven transformation.
- Deep-rooted cultural resistance within a highly unionized workforce
- Skepticism toward continuous improvement programs
- Lack of standardized skills, processes, and performance expectations
- Previous change efforts failed to sustain results
- Need to integrate newly acquired entities and improve operational performance
Real Results Achieved Together
By aligning leadership, engaging unions, and embedding Lean training across all organizational levels, EFESO helped the client achieve measurable, sustainable results.
+50
Internal change agents trained and certified
3K
Employees impacted across 8 major yards
Transformation Impact
- Sustained operational improvements across multiple business units
- Positive union engagement and workforce participation
- Unified vision for cultural and operational excellence
- Strengthened leadership alignment through performance management systems
- Enhanced collaboration between management and unions
- Continuous improvement embedded as a lasting discipline
Our Approach
EFESO applied a structured Change Management and Lean methodology to align leadership, develop skills, and embed continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Defining a Clear Vision and Transformation Roadmap
- Partnered with executive leadership to articulate a shared transformation vision.
- Defined performance expectations and leadership behaviors.
Identifying Skills and Capability Gaps
- Conducted skills and performance assessments across roles.
- Designed targeted training modules to close capability gaps.
Lean Training Across All Organizational Levels
- Delivered tailored Lean training for executives, managers, and frontline employees.
- Implemented a Train-the-Trainer program to sustain learning.
Pilots and Large-Scale Implementation
- Launched 20 pilot projects across key operational areas.
- Rolled out Lean transformation in 8 major yards, impacting 3,000 employees.
- Engaged union representatives to foster collaboration.
Performance Management System Implementation
- Established KPIs and review routines to sustain progress.
- Built accountability systems for continuous performance improvement.
Related Services
Operations Strategy and Transformation
Helping organizations rethink how they create value. We strengthen performance, build resilience, and accelerate growth across every layer of your business.
Facing Similar Challenges?
- Resistance to change in legacy operations
- Unify diverse entities under one continuous improvement framework?
- Achieve measurable savings through Lean and leadership alignment?
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