Encouraging teamwork, improving internal communication, and strengthening the sense of belonging—that was the starting point for the continuous improvement project at Industrias Lácteas de Granada, part of the Lactalis Group. Lara Isabel Antequera, Head of Continuous Improvement, explains how they have evolved the initiative into a solid system with the support of SGS PRODUCTIVITY.
A transformation driven by people
Industrias Lácteas de Granada is part of the Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company. From its plant in Granada, it produces products such as milk tailored to different life stages, milkshakes, fresh beverages, and even horchata. But beyond production, there was a clear ambition: to improve the workplace culture, enhance communication, and build stronger team cohesion.
That drive sparked the beginning of their continuous improvement journey. As Lara Isabel Antequera explains, the initial implementation was very much self-taught. They designed their own visual boards tailored to how they worked and began adopting routines and tools that fit their day-to-day reality.
From grassroots to a consolidated system
The evolution was gradual. What began as a “homemade” initiative gained traction and structure over time. Key tools like daily meetings (PO5), weekly reviews (PO15), and the suggestion system became pillars of their improvement culture
According to Lara, the suggestion system marked a major turning point. It made employees feel heard, encouraged them to propose impactful ideas, and transformed Lean from a methodology into a genuine participation tool.
The collaboration with SGS PRODUCTIVITY
The qualitative leap came when, on the recommendation of another Lactalis plant in Villarrobledo, they decided to bring SGS PRODUCTIVITY on board. That site had been working with SGS PRODUCTIVITY for years and shared their positive experience.
This external support helped the Granada plant professionalise the system, enrich existing dynamics, and consolidate a culture of continuous improvement rooted in people and reflected in everyday results.
A system that continues to grow
Today, the continuous improvement system is a core part of the plant’s identity. It didn’t start as a top-down initiative but as a meaningful effort that engaged people. And the results are clear: better communication, more ownership, more ideas, and a new way of working that is better equipped for day-to-day challenges.
The case of Industrias Lácteas de Granada shows that there’s no single way to begin. What matters is having a clear objective: to improve not just processes, but also the way people get involved.
Want to adapt a continuous improvement system to your plant’s reality?