3rd Place Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition: NS-Siam United Steel

NS-Siam United Steel: Pioneering Continuous Improvement and Sustainability with KAIZEN? Excellence

NS-Siam United Steel (NS-SUS), a subsidiary of Nippon Steel Corporation and a leader in cold-rolled and galvanized steel production in Thailand, achieved third place at the Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition. Facing challenges such as machine deterioration, rising costs, and competition, the company transformed its operations using the "NS-SUS Way" – an intentional blend of KAIZEN? and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Their journey highlights how strategic initiatives can sustain long-term business performance while embedding a culture of Continuous Improvement.

What Made NS-SUS Stand Out?

1. Comprehensive Implementation of the "NS-SUS Way": The company's framework integrates KAIZEN? principles across six pillars, including autonomous maintenance, quality management, and digital transformation. The use of advanced technologies, such as IoT, AI, and robotics, has driven efficiency and innovation in operations.
2. Innovative Smart Projects: NS-SUS has completed over 100 "Smart Projects" since 2017, ranging from automated maintenance to digitalized quality monitoring. Key projects, such as the development of a dross-removal robot and AI-driven defect detection, significantly reduced costs, risks, and waste while enhancing safety and quality.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Using tools like Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) and real-time digital monitoring, NS-SUS visualizes performance and identifies bottlenecks. The company employs systematic root-cause analysis with methods like the 5 Whys to drive Continuous Improvement.
4. Commitment to Employee Empowerment: NS-SUS invests heavily in training and rewards for its workforce, fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork. The company has established knowledge-sharing platforms and developed employee skills through structured training programs.
5. Sustainability and Results: Achievements include a 60% increase in revenue, 20% rise in net profit, and a 6% improvement in return on invested capital. Environmentally, the company has reduced CO? emissions and achieved zero lost-time accidents, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Lessons for Other Companies

• Leadership Commitment is Crucial: Strong support from top management ensures the alignment of improvement initiatives with organizational goals.
• Employee Involvement Drives Success: Empowering employees through training and participation builds ownership and sustains cultural transformation.
• Innovation is Unlimited: Investing in smart technologies can unlock unforeseen opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Focus on Sustainability: Embedding environmental goals within KAIZEN? practices ensure long-term impact for businesses and society.

Conclusion

NS-Siam United Steel exemplifies how the integration of KAIZEN? and TPM can transform operations and sustain growth in a competitive industry. Their "NS-SUS Way" showcases the power of innovation, employee empowerment, and a relentless commitment to improvement. Other organizations can take inspiration from their journey to craft tailored KAIZEN? strategies that achieve both operational excellence and sustainability.

Congratulations to the entire NS-Siam United Steel team, including Chaiyan Kallayanontchai, Theanchai Suksaengjun, Hathaikarn Truntrairat, and Unchalee Wutthisala.