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Playworld Systems: How to Cut
Time to Market in Half—Twice
Playworld Systems, Inc., has always prided itself on its ability to under-
stand the competing needs of the customers it serves. When the Great
Recession of 2008 hit full force, Lean Product Development gave this fam-
ily-oriented business the ability to thrive when others struggled.
Playworld makes commercial playground equipment for schools, new
housing developments, and parks. Its sales were closely tied to credit mar-
kets, school board and local government budgets, and new home construc-
tion. When funding for these sources began to dry up, the commercial
playground industry wa