Changing Mindset and Culture with Kaizen in New Markets

As Japanese manufacturers expand into emerging markets, they meet challenges in transitioning their methodologies, culture, and workforce mindset into the new location. ...

... "The hardest part will be teaching the mindset and culture of kaizen, said Shouhei Kimura, a former factory manager who now heads Nissan's operations in India. Still, in recent months, the big Japanese automakers have announced a slew of new factories in the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America. " ...

Via Star-News: Emerging Markets

Footwear Lean Manufacturing Creates Efficiency

Footwear manufacturers drive operating efficiencies through the application of lean manufacturing techniques. ...

... "Adidas AG CFO Robin Stalker said the company was well situated: We believe we are extremely well positioned competitively, vis-a-vis our competitors, in terms of lean manufacturing and engineering of our product. " ...

Via Footwear News: Crisis

Global Competition through Lean Manufacturing

Small manufacturing firs turn to lean techniques to increase their global competitiveness. ...

... "Quabaug and Mar-Lee, which each compete against lower-cost areas like China, streamlined their methods of operation to become more efficient and handle changing customer needs. Their use of so-called lean manufacturing and innovation puts them on the forefront of next-generation manufacturing ... " ...

Via Worcester Telegram: Next Gen Manufacturing Competes Globally

Innovative Thinking Integrated With Culture

Innovation is needed to differentiate corporate and product performance in the global economy. Lean principles can be extended to the growth agenda to support building an innovative culture and workforce. ...

... "What is really needed today is what I call systematic and lean innovation. That is, you have to make innovative thinking part of the entire corporate culture. " ...

Via Oakland Business Review on MLive: Lean Innovation Summit