Member Spotlight: Consumers Energy 

For nearly a decade, Consumers Energy has stood out not only as one of Michigan’s most trusted utilities but also as a committed leader in Lean thinking and continuous improvement. As a Superior Member of the Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) since 2017, Consumers has continuously invested in Lean principles to enhance operations, elevate customer experiences, and drive innovation across the organization. 

Consumers Energy is an investor-owned utility (IOU) that delivers natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout Michigan. With a mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy, the company utilizes a balanced portfolio of generation sources—including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar, wind, pumped storage, and renewable natural gas (RNG). That balanced approach mirrors Lean principles: intentional, efficient, and adaptable to change. 

At the core of their internal Lean efforts is the Lean Center of Excellence, where professionals like Sr. Quality Improvement Consultant Melissa Sherman guide process improvement initiatives across departments. Melissa plays a key role in embedding Lean principles into everyday operations, ensuring they’re more than just a set of tools—they’re a part of the company culture. 

But Consumers Energy’s commitment to Lean extends beyond its internal walls. Since joining the MLC, the organization has actively contributed to the Lean community. They’ve engaged in events across the state, including volunteering at the 2022 Annual Conference, and further deepened their involvement when Melissa joined the MLC Board of Directors in late 2022, serving in both Events and Secretary roles. 

So why does Consumers Energy remain a committed member of the MLC? The answer is simple: value. 

From virtual coffees and Gemba walks to one-day summits and the Annual Conference, MLC provides countless opportunities for Lean professionals to learn, grow, and connect. The chance to “go-see” how Lean is applied in other sectors, hear from diverse voices, and bring back new ideas is invaluable to their team. 

“Through my involvement with the MLC, I have built a valuable network of colleagues, deepened my knowledge and passion for Lean principles, and experienced significant personal and professional growth,”- Melissa Sherman. 

As Consumers Energy continues to lead in both the energy and Lean spaces, the MLC is proud to count them among its most active and engaged members. Their passion for improvement, innovation, and community makes them a model for what Lean leadership looks like in action. 

Here’s to many more years of partnership, progress, and purposeful problem-solving.