ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF LEAN PRODUCTION PRACTICES ON OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE IN BREWERY COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

The study assessed the impact of lean production practice on operational efficiency and sustainability performance in brewery companies in Nigeria. The objectives were to investigate the effect of Just-In-Time (JIT) practices on operational efficiency and sustainability performance and to examine the influence of Kaizen (continuous improvement) practices on operational efficiency and sustainability performance in brewery companies in Nigeria. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 1,000 employees of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Benin Plant, and Guinness Nigeria Plc, Benin Brewery two leading breweries in Edo State. A sample size of 286 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. The results revealed that Just-In-Time (JIT) practices have significant effect on operational efficiency and sustainability performance and that Kaizen practices have a statistically significant positive influence on operational efficiency and sustainability performance in Nigerian brewery companies. The adoption of Just-In-Time and Kaizen practices significantly enhances operational efficiency and sustainability performance in Nigerian breweries. By minimising inventory, streamlining processes, fostering continuous improvement, and reducing waste, these practices deliver measurable gains in both short-term effectiveness and long-term sustainability. It was recommended among other things that brewery companies in Nigeria should adopt and embed Just-In-Time principles into their production and supply chain systems