Innovation in Action: Lessons from Kukoon Rugs ‘Lean Manufacturing Tour’
On Wednesday 6th August, our Innovation team had the privilege of going behind the scenes at Kukoon Rugs in Newry as part of their “Lean Business in Action” tour and we came away brimming with practical ideas.
We stepped into a culture shaped by lean thinking, where simplicity, smart systems, and strong team values work hand in hand to deliver impressive results. Hearing directly from the people driving change, we saw how the warehouse team pinpointed inefficiencies and applied lean principles to streamline operations — boosting both productivity and workflow. Healthy competition, clear daily targets, and visible goals keep the atmosphere energetic and teams united in purpose.
Kukoon also showcased how they use Power BI and automation tools to link data across departments from warehouse and ordering to marketing and finance enabling faster, smarter decision-making at every level.
Staff described their daily mindset: “What’s one small thing I can improve today?” Whether it’s a quicker way to open a window or swapping cluttered cupboards for personal storage boxes, lean thinking is evident in every corner of the business.
For our Innovation team, this wasn’t just a visit, it was a chance to collect real-world insights we can share with the businesses and clients we support. At SRC Innovation Support, we help local companies develop, grow, and adopt smarter ways of working and experiences like this are invaluable in that mission.
A huge thank you to the Kukoon team for their openness, enthusiasm, and generosity in sharing their journey.