Operational Excellence

Our Operational Excellence Program

At AM Saxum, our Operational Excellence program is a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable performance improvements and long-term value creation. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma principles, our methodology focuses on enhancing efficiency, eliminating redundancies, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.

Our program is built on three strategic pillars:

Continuous Improvement (CI) – driving consistent gains in productivity and quality through proven Lean methodologies
Leadership and Organizational Culture – fostering high-performing teams and strengthening employee engagement to support transformation
Value Creation and Performance Management – aligning business goals with operational metrics to boost EBITDA, increase cash flow, and elevate company market value

With over 20 years of hands-on experience across a wide range of industries, our consultants coach your team through the implementation of Lean projects—delivering measurable results, often exceeding 20% of company payroll. We combine technical excellence with a focus on people, recognizing that transformation success is driven by both sound solutions and employee buy-in (Effectiveness of change = Technical solution × People-buy-in).

During our operational excellence program, we work on the organization’s strategy, mission, vision, structure, rewards, and human resources—using models such as the Galbraith Star Alignment Model or Hoshin Kanri—to ensure full alignment within the organization.

AM Saxum also helps secure government grants to cover the cost of Lean programs, making operational excellence more accessible and impactful. Whether you’re looking to increase efficiency, foster a continuous improvement culture, or elevate your business value, we’re here to deliver results.

Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement (CI) is the cornerstone of any successful Operational Excellence strategy. At AM Saxum, we help organizations embed a culture of continuous improvement using proven methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen. The goal is to systematically eliminate inefficiencies, redundancies, and bottlenecks while enhancing customer value and boosting organizational agility.

Our approach engages employees at all levels, empowering them to identify and resolve operational challenges with practical, results-driven tools. This not only drives efficiency but also fosters cross-functional collaboration and accountability.

With over 20 years of experience, AM Saxum consultants offer hands-on coaching tailored to your industry—ensuring that every solution is both technically sound and operationally relevant. Our clients regularly achieve annual savings that exceed 20% of payroll, translating into improved EBITDA, stronger cash flow, and increased market value.

We also support clients in accessing government grants to fund their continuous improvement initiatives—making the transformation financially sustainable from day one. Whether you're a manufacturer, service provider, or public-sector organization, AM Saxum is your trusted partner in achieving measurable results through continuous improvement.

Leadership and Organizational Culture

Sustainable operational excellence goes beyond tools and methodologies—it starts with leadership and thrives on culture. At AM Saxum, we help organizations foster a high-performance culture by developing strong, visible leadership and empowering employees across all levels. Through our Lean Leadership and Change Management programs, we address the often-overlooked human dimension of Lean transformations.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that E = T × P, meaning the effectiveness of an operational excellence initiative (E) equals the quality of the technical solution (T) multiplied by the level of people buy-in (P). That’s why we focus not only on technical excellence, but also on building trust, accountability, and collaboration within and across teams. Using models such as the Galbraith Star Model and Hoshin Kanri, we align strategy, mission, structure, rewards, and human resources to ensure long-term success.

We also address team dynamics by helping clients overcome the five dysfunctions of a team—creating cohesive, high-performing work environments. With over 20 years of cross-industry experience, our consultants coach your leadership team to turn vision into action.

AM Saxum also helps secure government grants to fund this transformation, making leadership and culture change both impactful and financially accessible.

Value Creation and Performance Management

At AM Saxum, operational excellence is not just about process improvement—it’s about delivering measurable business value. The ultimate goal of any Lean transformation is to generate tangible outcomes such as improved EBITDA, optimized cash flow, increased customer satisfaction, and enhanced market competitiveness. This pillar ensures that every initiative is directly tied to strategic and financial objectives.

We help clients establish clear KPIs, implement robust performance tracking systems, and align continuous improvement efforts with long-term business goals. Whether the focus is cost reduction, revenue growth, or better asset utilization, our approach translates operational gains into financial performance.

Our consultants bring over 20 years of hands-on experience across multiple sectors, enabling us to guide organizations through transformations that consistently deliver savings exceeding 20% of payroll. More importantly, we create value—our clients see increases in market valuation, including higher stock prices for publicly traded companies.

AM Saxum also helps secure government grants to fund these initiatives, making transformation accessible and sustainable. With a focus on accountability, impact, and alignment, our performance management strategies ensure that operational excellence drives real business growth.

Case Studies

AM Saxum is a results-driven business performance consulting firm with over 20 years of hands-on experience helping organizations improve operations, reduce costs, and increase profitability through Lean Six Sigma and government funding strategies.

Reducing Booking Cycle Time by 62% in a Southwestern Ontario Hospital

A hospital in Southwestern Ontario faced significant delays in processing imaging appointment requests. Manual, paper-based systems resulted in lost requisitions, poor communication, and long lead times. The hospital implemented a Lean Six Sigma strategy that resulted in a 62% reduction in cycle time, improved staff utilization, and better patient access.

Reducing Scrap and Cost of Poor Quality in HDPE Pipe Manufacturing through Lean Six Sigma

A manufacturer of extruded HDPE pipes was experiencing excessive scrap rates and high costs associated with product defects. By partnering with us to implement a targeted Lean Six Sigma improvement initiative, the company was able to reduce its defect rate from nearly 60% to just 5%, while cutting the cost of poor quality (COPQ) from 37.5% to 15% of revenue—a transformation that significantly improved operational performance and financial outcomes.

Improving Profit Margin by 23% in Mold Manufacturing through Lean Six Sigma

A leading injection blow mold manufacturer in the Greater Toronto Area partnered with us to address high labor costs, recurring overtime, and delayed deliveries. By implementing Lean Six Sigma principles across key areas of their operations, the company achieved a 23% increase in profit margin per mold, along with significant reductions in waste, labor, and lead time.

Industries We Serve

Manufacturing
Industry

Service/
Transactional

Energy & Natural
Resources

Infrastructure,
Construction &
Building Products

Technology
Solutions

Agriculture
Business

Manufacturing
Industry

Energy & Natural
Resources

Service/
Transactional

Infrastructure, Construction &
Building Products

Technology
Solutions

Agriculture
Business

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What Our Clients Say

“Working with AM Saxum was a turning point for our operations. Their team conducted a comprehensive flow analysis of our plant and helped us redesign our layout using Lean Six Sigma principles. We also received on-site Yellow Belt training, which empowered our team to take an active role in the improvement process. As a metal stamping manufacturer, we greatly benefited from their deep industry insight—resulting in a 55% reduction in internal transportation within our facility and a major gain in efficiency. Their structured methodology and practical recommendations directly boosted our productivity and positioned us to better serve our clients. I highly recommend AM Saxum to any manufacturer looking to reduce waste and elevate operational performance.”

“Working with Henry was an incredibly valuable experience for our tequila production team. What began as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training quickly evolved into a full Lean transformation initiative. With Henry’s coaching, we were able to reduce the agave cooking cycle time and streamline the entire production process, from loading to downloading the ovens. His support helped us identify opportunities to eliminate non-value-added activities, improve process consistency, and increase daily output significantly. Henry’s hands-on approach, practical tools, and deep understanding of operational challenges made a real difference. Beyond the technical results, he helped us build confidence in our team’s ability to drive continuous improvement. His guidance was instrumental in achieving a more stable, efficient, and responsive process.”

"Henry’s support was key in helping us tackle a persistent quality issue in our aging and packaging process at Diageo, a global leader in premium alcoholic beverages. We were facing product rejections due to slight deviations in alcohol content. Through a structured Lean Six Sigma approach, Henry helped us map the entire process, identify sources of alcohol loss, and implement corrective actions. One of the most significant breakthroughs was automating our pumping system, which reduced manual errors and stabilized our process. His coaching was thorough, data-driven, and perfectly aligned with our operational realities. Beyond solving a technical issue, Henry fostered a proactive, analytical culture that has delivered measurable improvements across our operations. His involvement has been a major factor in our success."

“Henry played a key role in helping us improve the efficiency of our extraction process in our tequila operations. With his guidance, we were able to significantly reduce the amount of residual sugar left in the agave fiber during milling, which led to measurable gains in tequila yield per batch. His coaching was hands-on, methodical, and tailored to our operational environment. He helped us analyze process variation, identify root causes, and implement improvements that didn’t require immediate capital investment—just better use of data and tools. Thanks to Henry’s support, we moved from project definition through implementation and control with confidence, and the results were not only recognized internally but also approved by our finance team. His approach made Lean Six Sigma practical and effective for our team on the ground.”

“As the CFO of Peter and Paul’s Hospitality Group, I've seen the significant impact AM Saxum has had on our operations. Their Lean transformation initiatives have helped us identify inefficiencies and streamline processes across our organization, including catering, events, retail, and sales. What sets AM Saxum apart is its ability to tailor Lean methodologies to our diverse business models. They’ve optimized inventory at Peter and Paul’s Gifts, digitized operations at Paramount, and established hotel operations at Eaton Hall Country Inn and Spa, all while aligning results with our strategic goals. Their data-driven approach fosters a cultural shift towards continuous improvement, enhancing our operational control as we grow in a competitive market. AM Saxum has become a trusted partner in our evolution, and I’m excited about our future collaboration.”

“Implementing an Operational Excellence program with AM Saxum was a pivotal step for Universal Event Space in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Their deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma—and how to apply it effectively within our sector—helped us adopt practical tools, most notably 5S, to streamline our workplace organization. By reducing the time staff spent searching for setup materials and expanding our kitchen storage space, we realized substantial labor savings and gained enhanced purchasing power to buy in bulk at lower prices. AM Saxum’s hands-on approach and proven experience in business transformation delivered significant cost savings and drove us toward greater operational efficiency. Their support has been a game changer for our event services, setting us on a path of continuous improvement and value creation.”

“Partnering with AM Saxum has been instrumental in our long-term SR&ED success. As a leading provider in the finishing industry, their deep understanding of our sector has been a very valuable asset, making the entire process seamless for us. They helped us develop a robust, contemporaneous tracking system that captures all our SR&ED-related activities and expenses—ensuring no eligible cost is overlooked. With a consistently high claim approval rate, AM Saxum’s proven approach has empowered us to maximize our government funding opportunities while allowing us to focus on innovation and our core business. Their support truly sets them apart in the field.”

“Partnering with AM Saxum has been a major boost for our SR&ED initiatives at CRS Packaging. As a manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions within the plastics sector, we greatly appreciate their deep understanding of our industry. I was introduced to Henry through our shared industry, and his insights were evident from the start. AM Saxum’s tailored approach not only helped us submit our initial claim smoothly but also proved critical during a review process. Their robust tracking system and meticulous documentation provided a solid foundation that ensured our claim was upheld—all while they managed most of the workload so our operations continued seamlessly. Their support has been instrumental in our continued success.”

“Partnering with AM Saxum was a turning point for our operations. Their Lean transformation approach helped us uncover and fix long-standing inefficiencies in our kitchen, catering, and staffing processes. Through a combination of staff training, system redesign, and practical Lean tools, we were able to eliminate manual processes, reduce labor waste, and improve communication across departments. One of the most impactful changes was the integration of visual tools and automation into our CRM system—this drastically reduced errors in the kitchen, streamlined the quoting process in catering, and brought consistency to our event staffing. The overall impact has been substantial, resulting in faster turnaround times, improved team coordination, and a more scalable, guest-focused operation. AM Saxum didn’t just deliver recommendations—they worked closely with our team to implement lasting improvements. I would highly recommend them to any service-oriented business looking to optimize their operations and enhance team performance.”

“AM Saxum delivered a Lean transformation that went far beyond our expectations. Through a combination of Green Belt training and hands-on coaching, they helped us identify and address inefficiencies across production, roto molding, processing (recycling), shipping, and even our front-office workflows. Their team introduced powerful tools like 5S, SMED, and visual workplace systems, which immediately improved our changeover times, reduced scrap and rework, and helped streamline communication across departments. Just as importantly, their approach engaged our employees in the improvement process—giving them the skills and confidence to lead change from within. What impressed me most was the practicality of AM Saxum’s solutions. They didn’t just give us ideas—they gave us implementable systems that are already showing results. I would strongly recommend AM Saxum to any manufacturer looking to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and build a stronger, more agile organization.”

“Before partnering with AM Saxum, we were not even aware that our internal innovation efforts in the marble industry could qualify for SR&ED funding. Their team revealed these opportunities and guided us seamlessly through the entire process—minimizing disruption to our daily operations. They worked with us to develop a tailored tracking system for labor and materials, ensuring every eligible cost was accurately captured. Thanks to their deep understanding of our industry and consistently high success rate, we have secured funding we never thought possible. Their ongoing support in project eligibility has been a game changer for our business.”

“AM Saxum’s Green Belt training and project coaching made a significant impact on our operations at ADS. As part of the program, I led a project focused on reducing defects in our pipe extrusion process. With AM Saxum’s support, we applied Lean Six Sigma tools to get to the root cause—which was traced back to inadequate cooling from our chiller system. Their structured guidance throughout the root cause analysis helped us identify the issue and implement meaningful corrective actions. The result was a measurable improvement in product quality and a stronger internal capability to solve complex operational problems. I highly recommend AM Saxum to any organization seeking to drive performance improvement through practical Lean Six Sigma applications.”

“AM Saxum has been a trusted partner for us over many years, consistently helping us file our SR&ED claims with impressive success. Their thorough understanding of our insulated metal building panels industry and client-centric approach ensure that no eligible project goes unnoticed. Beyond managing the claims process, they provide ongoing support in project eligibility and have been instrumental in connecting us with provincial and municipal government contacts to explore further funding opportunities. Their proactive support has enabled us to continuously innovate while keeping our operations running smoothly. We truly value our partnership with AM Saxum.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to review AM Saxum’s Green Belt training program, and I was genuinely impressed by its clarity, structure, and real-world applicability. The content strikes an excellent balance between Lean Six Sigma theory and practical tools that teams can use immediately on the shop floor or in office environments. What sets AM Saxum’s training apart is how accessible and actionable it is. The program doesn’t just teach concepts—it equips professionals to lead meaningful improvement projects and deliver measurable results. For any organization looking to build internal capability in process improvement, this training is a strong investment.”

“Before working with AM Saxum, I wasn’t very familiar with the SR&ED program and was uncertain if our operations in the spray painting and coating industry even qualified. After being referred by an industry partner, we engaged AM Saxum to evaluate our processes and file our very first claim in 2018. Their deep understanding of the unique challenges in our sector, combined with a client-focused approach, quickly put my concerns to rest. They guided us through every step of the process, resulting in an impressively high success rate. Their robust tracking system and strategic support allowed us to concentrate on our core operations while they managed the complexities of the claim. I highly recommend AM Saxum to any company looking to unlock government funding opportunities.”

“I found the Lean Six Sigma course, offered by Henry, to be a very informative program that allowed me to gain a clear understanding of the broad range of continuous improvement concepts. The course provided many useful tools to assist in our current roles and practical examples in which they could be applied.”

“I attended Henry’s Lean Six Sigma training which was very structured and well laid out. I liked the examples supporting the methodology that allowed for better understanding. The individual project was an excellent way of putting what I learned into practice. Even better, I was able to relate my learning to an actual situation at work. Henry acted in the capacity of mentor, teacher, as well as very professional in his approach.”

“AM Saxum has been an invaluable partner in helping us file our first SR&ED claim. In the fast-paced renewable energy industry, where every moment counts, their team handled the entire submission process, ensuring that our claim was prepared and filed smoothly. Their expertise allowed us to focus on what truly matters: advancing our solar and storage projects, and driving innovation in renewable energy. I’m truly impressed by their client-focused approach and would highly recommend AM Saxum to any company looking to access government funding with minimal disruption.”

“Henry is a skilled facilitator who provided us with incredibly detailed and valuable Lean Six Sigma training. By sharing his years of multi-industry experience and practical examples and exercises, he helped sharpen my ‘continuous improvement’ skills and really boosted my confidence to pursue my Black Belt.”

“Working with AM Saxum has been transformative for Quantrix Plastics. As a manufacturer of plastic bottles through both extrusion and injection molding, we greatly value their deep understanding of the plastics industry. My connection with Henry dates back over 20 years in this field, and our ongoing partnership has only reinforced my trust in their client-focused approach. Since our very first SR&ED claim in 2020, AM Saxum has provided invaluable support in identifying eligible projects and ensuring we meet tight submission deadlines—all while handling the heavy lifting of claim preparation. Their proven track record and commitment to operational excellence make them an indispensable partner for our business.”

“We were referred to AM Saxum by an industry partner, and their services have been a game changer for our SR&ED claims since 2018. As a company in the construction industry, our schedule is extremely demanding—leaving little time to prepare detailed claims. AM Saxum has taken on the heavy lifting for us, delivering a consistently high approval rate while ensuring our operations remain uninterrupted. Their robust tracking system effectively captures all SR&ED-related costs, and their team is exceptionally accommodating, meeting our unique needs and always complying with filing deadlines. Thanks to their expert support, we can streamline our administrative processes and devote more energy to delivering exceptional custom homes.”

“You’re in good hands! Henry’s instructional materials are thorough and designed to meet the needs of his clients. His courses are interactive and collaborative which keep students engaged while still developing strong competencies in areas such as Lean Six Sigma.”

“Mike’s ongoing personal training programs and communication skills are the main reason why Enviroshake has achieved continuous success over many years. He has a unique, natural ability to communicate effectively with all our employees. Top management and plant employees are motivated to adhere to the stringent quality systems essential for any company’s success.”

“Mike’s courses, his vast training experience and knowledge have been extremely effective. Our company continues to grow and our employees are more motivated and engaged in their responsibilities. We endorse Mike and his team.”

“Thank you Mike for training our employees to achieve certification to the ISO:9001:2015 standard. Because of your team’s enthusiasm and dynamic training sessions, we exceeded our goals.”

“Working with AM Saxum helped us take a major step forward—not only operationally, but strategically. Our company had grown over the years with a large and diverse product offering, but that variety had created complexity in production, inventory, and customer experience. Through their Lean transformation and strategy optimization process, AM Saxum helped us simplify our product portfolio, streamline operations, and improve service quality. They guided us in making data-driven decisions that reduced inefficiencies and aligned our business model with future growth opportunities. The training and coaching provided to our team empowered us to think differently and embrace change with confidence. We’re now better positioned to scale, improve customer satisfaction, and explore new markets with a stronger, more agile structure. I highly recommend AM Saxum to any organization looking to sharpen their strategy and elevate their performance.”

“AM Saxum has been our trusted partner for several years, consistently delivering outstanding results in our SR&ED claims and beyond. Their deep understanding of our industry—as a leading manufacturer in rotational molding and plastics recycling—combined with a client-centric approach, has ensured a very high success rate. Their robust tracking system captures every eligible cost without disrupting our daily operations. By taking on the heavy lifting in claim preparation, they’ve allowed us to concentrate on producing high-quality products and optimizing our manufacturing processes. Moreover, their proactive support with additional training grants and their role as a liaison with provincial government have opened up further funding opportunities for employee development. Their commitment to delivering measurable results makes them an invaluable partner.”

FAQ

Does AM Saxum provide on-site Lean Six Sigma training and certification?

Yes — for businesses, not for individuals. We offer tailored on-site Lean Six Sigma training and certification programs exclusively for companies. Our training is designed to address real operational challenges within your organization and is delivered by experienced consultants with hands-on industry expertise. At this time, we do not offer individual or public courses for private learners.

What types of businesses can benefit from the government grants AM Saxum supports?

Any Canadian for-profit business, across all industries. Whether you’re in manufacturing, tech, healthcare, professional services, or hospitality, your business may be eligible for government grants such as SR&ED or other funding programs. Our expertise covers a wide range of industries, and we handle the full application process. While there are grants available for non-profit organizations, AM Saxum works exclusively with for-profit companies to ensure the highest return on investment and strategic impact.

How long does it take to receive SR&ED funding?

The timeline can vary, but most businesses receive SR&ED refunds within 3 to 6 months of filing their claim. If your company is filing for the first time, or if the CRA requests additional documentation, processing may take slightly longer. AM Saxum streamlines this process by preparing strong, audit-ready claims that reduce the likelihood of delays.

Do you only work with large companies?

Not at all. We work with businesses of all sizes—from small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations. Whether you’re a growing business looking to scale more efficiently or a mature organization aiming to improve profitability, our Lean and funding strategies are customized to fit your size, structure, and goals.

How do I know if my business is eligible for SR&ED or other grants?

Eligibility depends on several factors, including your business structure, the nature of your activities, and your location. If you’re conducting R&D, developing new products, or revising existing ones, or implementing new processes, you may qualify. AM Saxum offers a free initial assessment to determine your eligibility and identify the best funding options.

What areas in Canada does AM Saxum serve?

AM Saxum provides Lean Six Sigma consulting and government funding services to businesses across all provinces and territories in Canada. We have consultants based in key regions, allowing us to deliver personalized, on-site support while keeping travel costs low.

Our targeted regions include: 

Province	City
Ontario	Toronto
	Ottawa
	Mississauga
	Hamilton (Burlington)
	Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge
	London
	Windsor
	Guelph
	Brampton
	Markham & Richmond Hill
	Sudbury

Province	City
British Columbia	Vancouver
	Surrey & Burnaby
	Victoria
	Richmond
	Kelowna
	Prince George (Cariboo Region)
	Richmond
	Abbotsford
	Kamloops
	Nanaimo

Province	City
Quebec	Montreal
	Quebec City
	Laval
	Longueuil
	Sherbrooke
	Drummondville
	Trois-Rivieres
	Gatineau
	Granby
	Saguenay

Province	City
Alberta	Calgary
	Edmonton
	Red Deer
	Fort McMurray
	Lethbridge
	Grande Prairie
	Medicine Hat
	Airdrie & Cochrane

Province	City
Manitoba	Winnipeg
	Brandon
	Portage la Prairie
	Steinbach
	Thompson
	Morden and Winkler
	Selkirk
	Dauphin

 Even if your city or province isn’t listed here, rest assured—we support clients nationwide, including in smaller cities and rural areas. Wherever your business is located in Canada, AM Saxum is ready to help you achieve operational excellence and unlock funding opportunities.