Highlighting transformative power and the international impact of the Global KAIZEN? Award in fostering Continuous Improvement and innovation

Welcome to KAIZEN? News – the monthly newsletter for Lean leaders who are committed to Continuous Improvement. Each time, we focus on ONE topic that drives business success from a KAIZEN? perspective and examine it from FIVE different perspectives. Dive into the KAIZEN? way of thinking.

In this edition, we explore the inspiring stories behind the Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition, celebrating organizations that have achieved extraordinary results through Continuous Improvement. Learn how local and global leaders like Embraer , VELUX (NM Polska), Empresas Iansa , Suzuki Motor de Colombia S.A , and NS-Siam United Steel transformed their operations and created a culture of excellence. Gain valuable insights into the assessment process and the power of building a global KAIZEN? community.

1) Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition: Honoring Excellence in Continuous Improvement

The Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition celebrated outstanding achievements in Continuous Improvement at ESPM in S?o Paulo, Brazil. Recognizing excellence across diverse industries, the event highlighted nominees and winners who showcased innovative adoption of KAIZEN? methodologies. Embraer, VELUX (NM Polska), Empresas IANSA, SUZUKI Motor de Colombia, and NS-Siam United Steel were among the honored organizations demonstrating the transformative impact of KAIZEN? principles on performance and operational efficiency.

Read the full article: Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition Celebrates Excellence in Continuous Improvement

"Leadership must believe in and promote a culture of excellence. Surrounding yourself with individuals passionate about KAIZEN? and Lean creates the momentum to embed these principles across the organization." – Luis Carlos Marinho da Silva, Embraer

2) Embraer Sets the Standard for Lean Excellence

Embraer, a global leader in aerospace, was awarded 1st place at the Global KAIZEN? Award 6th Edition for its groundbreaking Lean Management project. By integrating visual problem-solving tools, scaling improvements globally, and fostering a unified culture of excellence through its Embraer Excellence System, the company achieved a large reduction in non-conformities and significant improvements in profitability. This success underscores Embraer’s commitment to Continuous Improvement and leadership-driven transformation.

Read the full article: Embraer’s Lean Excellence: A Global KAIZEN? Award-Winning Journey

"Empowering employees with basic tools and training is essential. It enables teams to sustain improvements and escalate challenges to management effectively when necessary.” – Pablo Sanhueza, Empresas IANSA

3) VELUX (NM Polska): Lean Innovation and Sustainability in Action

VELUX (NM Polska) earned 2nd place at the 6th Global KAIZEN? Award for their transformative approach to Lean implementation. By deploying a three-tier Hoshin Kanri system, fostering employee engagement through initiatives like the VOS Cup, and achieving milestones in safety and sustainability, VELUX (NM Polska) showcased the impact of aligning strategy with Continuous Improvement. Their efforts resulted in zero workplace accidents for two years and a 25% increase in employee engagement, setting a benchmark for Lean excellence.

Read the full article: VELUX Poland: Lean Excellence Secures 2nd Place at the Global KAIZEN? Award

"KAIZEN? is not an individual task; it’s a company-wide commitment. Every employee must embrace Continuous Improvement as part of their daily responsibilities." – Kenji Shimabara, SUZUKI Motor de Colombia

4.1) Empresas IANSA: A Model of Innovation and Operational Excellence

Empresas IANSA secured 3rd place at the 6th Global KAIZEN? Award for their transformative IANSA Excellence System (SEI). This comprehensive framework integrates daily routines, strategic alignment, and employee-driven innovation, delivering remarkable results: a 200% increase in EBITDA, a 38% reduction in accident rates, and a 73% improvement in operational efficiency. By combining sustainability, collaboration, and customer focus, Empresas IANSA has set a benchmark for Continuous Improvement in competitive industries.

Read the full article: Empresas IANSA: Driving Excellence with the IANSA Excellence System

"The success of our KAIZEN? efforts lies in the collaboration between leaders, KAIZEN? Promotion Officers, and Continuous Improvement agents, who work together to spread the philosophy and generate new advocates.” – Luis Carlos Marinho da Silva, Embraer

4.2) Suzuki Motor de Colombia: Empowering Excellence Through Quality Circles

Suzuki Motor de Colombia secured 3rd place at the 6th Global KAIZEN? Award for their transformative Quality Circles Initiative. Engaging employees across all levels, the initiative achieved a 77% reduction in account balancing time, an 80% decrease in maintenance costs, and a 41% reduction in paint process changes, saving significant resources while reducing CO2 emissions. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, SMDC exemplifies the power of KAIZEN? principles in driving operational and environmental excellence.

Read the full article: Suzuki Motor de Colombia: Quality Circles Drive Excellence to 3rd Place at Global KAIZEN? Awards

"The key to success is a thorough evaluation of your processes to identify critical opportunities. Once identified, a grounded and focused action plan must be implemented across all levels of the organization to ensure effective follow-through.” – Pablo Sanhueza, Empresas IANSA

4.3) NS-Siam United Steel: Driving Innovation and Sustainability with KAIZEN?

NS-Siam United Steel (NS-SUS) earned 3rd place at the 6th Global KAIZEN? Award for their "NS-SUS Way," combining KAIZEN? and Total Productive Maintenance to achieve operational excellence. By completing over 100 Smart Projects, including AI-driven defect detection and robotic automation, NS-SUS boosted revenue by 60%, improved safety with zero lost-time accidents, and reduced CO2 emissions. Their journey highlights the power of innovation, employee empowerment, and sustainability in building a resilient business model.

Read the full article: NS-Siam United Steel: Pioneering Continuous Improvement and Sustainability with KAIZEN? Excellence

"Teaching employees to understand and live by core values, like the Suzuki policy of efficiency and simplicity, lays the foundation for sustainable improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.” – Kenji Shimabara, SUZUKI Motor de Colombia

5) Interview: Building a Global KAIZEN? Community of Excellence

The Global KAIZEN? Award celebrates more than operational excellence—it fosters a global network of organizations committed to Continuous Improvement. In an interview, Kimmo J?rvinen , Director Operational Excellence, Kaizen Institute Global shares how the award promote collaboration, learning, and innovation across industries and countries. With standardized assessment criteria and an inclusive approach, the program highlights how KAIZEN? principles create lasting value for organizations of all sizes, inspiring a global community of improvement-driven leaders.

Read the full article: Building a Global Community of Excellence

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