Spectrum Aeromed: Building a Lean Culture Across the Entire Organization with LEHPM Training
Spectrum Aeromed
Spectrum Aeromed, based in Fargo, North Dakota, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing customized air medical interior solutions for fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. With a reputation for high-quality, innovative solutions, Spectrum Aeromed serves EMS operators, hospitals, military, and government agencies worldwide. The company is dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that every aspect of its business—from manufacturing to office operations—functions efficiently.
Like many manufacturers, Spectrum Aeromed recognized the importance of Lean principles in improving production processes. However, instead of limiting Lean training to the production floor, the company wanted to create a true Lean culture that extended to all departments. Leadership understood that achieving a fully Lean business model required company-wide training and a shared commitment to efficiency, waste reduction, and process improvement.
To accomplish this, Spectrum Aeromed partnered with Impact Dakota to implement Lean Enterprise High-Performance Manufacturing (LEHPM) training for all employees, not just those on the production floor. The goal was to ensure that every team member—from engineering to sales, marketing, and administration—had the knowledge and tools to contribute to a Lean organization.
Through Impact Dakota’s LEHPM training, employees learn key Lean concepts such as value stream mapping, 5S, standardized work, and Kaizen. By applying these principles, Spectrum Aeromed has enhanced workflow, reduced inefficiencies, and improved customer responsiveness. The training empowers employees to identify and eliminate waste in their processes, whether that’s streamlining production steps, improving office workflows, or enhancing communication between departments.
“Our goal was not just to have Lean manufacturing, but to build a Lean business model where every employee understands and applies Lean principles,” said Jeff Edberg, Spectrum Aeromed's SVP of Operations and Integration. “By ensuring that all employees—not just those on the shop floor—complete LEHPM training, we’ve created a culture of continuous improvement that drives efficiency across the entire organization. This mindset allows us to remain innovative, responsive, and committed to delivering the best solutions for our customers.”