We’re happy to share that the team in Saudi Arabia has successfully launched the implementation of Lean Planning on the Aramco Stadium project in Dammam. This strategic initiative, driven by the site Planning team and supported by BESIX Engineering, is bringing greater structure, collaboration, and predictability to one of the region’s most complex construction sites.
More than 60 team members, including subcontractors and client representatives, have been trained in Lean Construction principles through hands-on simulation sessions. The training has helped shift mindsets, encouraging a stronger focus on coordination, proper sequencing of works, and thorough preparation before execution.
To support daily operations, a dedicated control room has been installed on site, equipped with planning boards and visual management tools. Daily and weekly stand-up meetings are now in place to coordinate the external works effectively.
Special thanks to Samy Oumoussa and his team, as well as Paul Hone, whose leadership and drive are key in accelerating the Lean transformation on site.
Why Lean planning?
“Lean Planning is a method that helps us work more collaboratively, minimize waste, and keep projects on track,” explains Loïc de Terwangne, Engineer at BESIX Engineering. “Among the immediate benefits are certainly improved coordination across teams, increased reliability in short-term planning, and also greater ownership and accountability among all participants.”
The feedback from the Damman team has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the real-world examples, interactive format, and the opportunity to align more closely with the project's goals.
Lean on other projects
“Recently, we conducted similar sessions in Tanzania, on the Tanga Jetty project site, as well as for the Group Communication team in Brussels,” adds Thomas Goossens, Lean Manager at BESIX Engineering. “Lean isn’t just for operations. Support functions can benefit just as much from Lean thinking. Whether you're on-site or in the office, the opportunity to improve is everywhere.”
Interested in Lean Planning for your project?
“We strongly encourage other sites and teams to reach out and request similar training. It’s a smart investment that pays dividends in both performance and team cohesion,” conclude Loic. “We provide support to teams with the implementation of Lean thinking, methodology, and tools. As part of our support, we organize a kick-off, provide training, and implement the key modules, including coaching. We are just one email or one phone call away: don’t hesitate to reach out!”
For more information, contact Thomas Goossens or Loïc de Terwangne.