When Berg Equipment, based in Wainfleet, Ontario, moved into a brand-new facility, the excitement of fresh space came with a challenge: how to truly maximize it. Two years in, it became clear—despite the new building, organization, cleanliness, and visual standards weren’t where they needed to be. That’s when the team decided to launch the 5Spark program.
Challenge: Great Facility, Untapped Potential
“We realized we weren’t using our new space as efficiently as we could,” said Brandon Berg, General Manager. “Wear and tear was already starting to show, and personal organization wasn’t where we wanted it.”
There was a desire to set a new standard—not just for appearance, but for how the space was used, cared for, and respected by the team. The dealership needed a program that would go beyond surface-level fixes and create lasting change.
Implementation: Starting Small, Thinking Big
Like many who begin their 5S journey, the team initially felt overwhelmed—but 5Spark’s structure gave them clarity.
“The step-by-step nature of the program kept us confident,” said Brandon, adding that “the formation of a 5S team helped maintain accountability, and the company-wide kick-off event proved that leadership was fully behind it.”
Staff reactions ranged from enthusiastic to skeptical, but over time, even the most resistant team members became champions of the effort.
Results: A Cleaner, Sharper, Stronger Culture
- Fast forward nine months, and the transformation is visible—literally.
- Customer impressions have improved, with a facility that looks more professional and welcoming.
- Workspaces are cleaner and more functional, enabling staff to work more efficiently.
- Monthly 5S audits are driving consistency and measurable progress, with scores increasing from 2.0 to 3.4 out of 5.
- Most importantly, there’s a new culture of accountability and continuous improvement in the shop.
“Staff are taking ownership of their spaces and treating common areas with more respect. We understand that change doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re committed to evolving.”
Advice to Others: Don’t Expect Instant Wins—Build for the Long Game
Berg Equipment offers these tips to others considering 5Spark:
- Time is the most important resource—give each 5S project the care it deserves.
- Don’t expect a revolution overnight—sustainable improvement is about consistency, not quick fixes.
- Keep it visible and engaging—post SOPs, share before-and-after photos, and celebrate wins.
- Document your journey—photos and audit results help remind the team how far they’ve come.
“Looking back at the photos of our battery bench and hose room reminds us what we’ve achieved. That motivation is powerful.”
Before & After Highlights
Battery Charging Station
Before: Cluttered and inconsistent setup with no visual order.
After: A clean, labelled, and professional-grade workstation that reflects pride in the workspace.
Hose Room
Before: Disorganized reels, cluttered benches, and poor visibility.
After: Neat, labelled parts, hose reels lined up cleanly, and workspaces optimized.
Lifting Slings Area
Before: Slings piled and tangled, with no clear method of sorting.
After: Clear labelling by length and weight rating, with slings stored neatly and accessibly.
Conclusion
With 5Spark, this dealership didn’t just clean up—they built a standard, created buy-in, and ignited a continuous improvement mindset. The progress may have been “slow,” but it’s steady, visible, and cultural.
