Mike Karle

Mike Karle

Business Process Improvement

Mike’s speciality is helping business’ get the most out of their business processes. Through strategic analysis with a focus on LEAN, Mike has helped our clients improve operational efficiency and most importantly, increase profits.

Overview

Mike has over 25 years experience as a Senior Manager, Business Advisor, University Lecturer and as joint MD of a manufacturing business.

Key Capabilities

  • Manufacturing Strategy
  • Business Process Analysis and Improvement
  • Lean Philosophy
  • Supply Chain Management

Clients in these industries

  • Mechanical seals
  • Spray-dried foods
  • Fibre-cement building products
  • Welding equipment
  • Small electric motors
  • Clothing
  • FMCG warehousing & distribution
  • Architectural designers
  • Cast-iron cookware
  • High-precision optical instruments
  • High-voltage electrical switchgear
  • Aluminium building products
  • Sheetmetal
  • Passenger & freight train equipment
  • Home design & construction

Background & Experience

  • Co-founded a manufacturing business in 1986 that has grown to become a major South African manufacturer in two market segments, being office chairs for the corporate (upper-end) market segment, and secondly, high quality casino gaming chairs that are exported to casinos, clubs and hotels throughout the world.
  • As a business advisor, successfully designed and implemented modern manufacturing strategies in a diverse range of industries. Specific Lean techniques included implementing new facility layouts, ERP systems, Pull systems, 5S, shop-floor measurement systems, VOC, TQM, TOC, VE/VA and Process Mapping.
  • 10 years as a part-time lecturer in Production & Operations Management (Lean Philosophy & Manufacturing Strategy) at University of the Witwatersrand, MSc (Eng) programme.
  • 15 years as external examiner in Manufacturing & Operations Management at the University of Cape Town, MBA programme.
  • Presented numerous papers and keynote addresses at international conferences on Lean Philosophy and Manufacturing Strategy.
  • Since 1991, external referee for the International Journal of Production Research (UK).

Qualifications

  • BSc (Ind) Eng, GDE, MSc (Eng)