Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Lean Transformation in a Culture of Accountability
Ventana Medical Systems’ commitment to excellence in a high growth environment.

Success in a fast-paced, high-growth environment requires focus and commitment. Nowhere is this more evident than at Ventana Medical Systems Inc. Ventana has grown from a small business located in the garage of its founder to one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of medical diagnostic instrument and reagent systems used for the diagnosis of cancer and infectious disease.

You will learn how the use of daily management tools and empowerment of its people has been critical to Ventana’s success. The cultural transition process and the disciplined approach to Lean transformation have been very effective for Ventana’s growth. The presentation details the 5-year journey starting from high inventory, long lead times, and huge scrap rate to becoming one of the leaders in Lean. It has been an incredible metamorphosis for Ventana’s manufacturing organization.

Ventana develops, manufactures, and markets instrument/reagent systems that automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug discovery laboratories worldwide. The Company's clinical systems are important tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.

Aseem Bansal, Ph.D., Vice President, Manufacturing

Aseem Bansal, Ph.D. – Aseem has worked in management roles within development, quality, and operations environments for the last 14 years. He has experience with medical device manufacturers such as Baxter, Dade Behring (now part of Siemens), and Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. He started his Lean journey about 12 years ago, participating in more than 50 Kaizen events during this time. In his current role, Aseem is responsible for the entire manufacturing of instruments and reagents for Ventana. He was critical in transforming Ventana from a traditional-style manufacturer to a Lean leader in the industry. Ventana won the 2007 AME Manufacturing Excellence Award under Aseem’s leadership.

Aseem holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from WPI, Worcester, Massachusetts. He also holds an Executive Management degree from University of Virginia.

Sandra B. Lueders, SPHR Director, Talent Management

For 20 years Sandra has worked in the Human Resources field. She joined Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. in 2004 as the Manager of Human Resources for Ventana’s North American Commercial Operations. Since that time Sandra has assumed roles of greater responsibility within the company, leading up to her current role as Director of Talent Management. In this role she is accountable for formulating strategy and direction for talent management programs that enhance the company’s ability to attract, develop, and retain the best talent while positioning Ventana as the employer of choice in our industry. Prior to Ventana, Sandra held leadership and generalist roles in Human Resources in the aerospace and automotive fastener businesses for Alcoa and for Thiokol Corporation’s Space Operations (currently ATK Launch Systems).