Region: UK

Happy

About the visit

Happy is a multi-award-winning company, In 2022 Happy was voted in the top 2 in the UK and the top 15 in Europe in the Great Place to Work awards, small business section. A training company based in Aldgate, central London, Happy employs just 22 people but has won widespread recognition for its unique approach.

The core principle at Happy is that people work best when they feel good about themselves. The main purpose of the company management is to create a framework where people do indeed feel good about themselves. The result is a people-focused business that has won a plethora of prestigious awards (see below). The business benefits of this approach are clear, and the company has a waiting list of over 2000 people for the next job vacancy!

Creating a great place to work
________________________

What makes a great place to work? Involving visitors, Happy will reveal key principles and specific steps to take to make your workplace one that people will really want to work in. Recognise how to create a blame-free environment and identify the key principle for management focus.

Great customer service
__________________

The first principle of great customer service is: Treat your customers as you would want to be treated. The visit will involve the audience in bringing together great and poor customer service experiences and lead to practical steps you can take. You will recognise what differentiates great service from normal service and identify key steps to help your organisation to improve.

Positive social impact
_________________

Discover ways to develop the social effect of your organisations work on employees and the wider community.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Creating a great place to work … Empowerment methods … Great customer service … Net Promoter Scores … Recruitment and Interviewing techniques … HR & Delegation … 360 appraisals … Inspiring people … Change culture … Work Life Balance … Community Service (CSR)

Visit agenda

Unit 1  10:00 – 12:30

  • Creating joy at work through empowerment
  • Ownership and Transparency
  • How we aim to deliver customer delight (and measure it)

Unit 2   13:15 – 15:00

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Snapshots and peer review (what we do instead of appraisals)
  • Creating joy in life as well as work

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

Nissan Motor Manufacturing

About the visit

Nissan Sunderland Plant has been the UK’s biggest car manufacturer for the past 14 years, and the biggest car exporter for the last 12. In 2011, during the plant’s 25th anniversary year, the 6 millionth vehicle rolled off the line, and the plant achieved an annual production figure of 480,485 units – a new UK record for a single car plant. One in every three new cars built in the UK comes from Sunderland Plant.

The Sunderland factory has been operational since 1986 and currently employs around 5,800 people. It is part of the European division of the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The plant has a current line-up of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 production on Line 1, with Juke and Note on Line 2. Three main production areas – body assembly, paint, and final assembly – are fed by a press shop, castings plant, engine plant, axle plant, and a bumper moulding facility. A lithium-ion battery plant was recently built, to support introduction of electric vehicle production early next year. Many suppliers are also based within the Nissan facility, sharing line-side production areas.

The plant has been recognised globally as one of the most efficient manufacturing plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Nissans manufacturing worldwide. It is currently preparing for introduction of four new models over the next two years: production of electric vehicle LEAF will begin early 2013, then replacement for Note based on the INVITATION concept, a Qashqai replacement, and a new medium hatchback in 2014. Line 1 introduced a third shift in 2009 and Line 2 will follow suit in 2013, meaning the entire plant will be running as a 24-hour operation for the first time in its 26-year history.

During the visit, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of this award-winning facility by a member of the Nissan team. You will be able to see first hand how the company has applied Lean and other continuous improvement practices.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Culture and Philosphy … Kaizen … Five S … SOPs … TPM … Visual Management … Staff development and communication

Visit agenda

09:00 Arrival & Coffee
Welcome & Introductions
Nissan Background & Philosophy
Kaizen
Five S
Production Tour
Tour Review & Lunch
PLM (Nissan version of TPM)
Questions & Answers
16:15 Close

Nissan Motor Manufacturing

About the visit

Nissan Sunderland Plant has been the UK’s biggest car manufacturer for the past 14 years, and the biggest car exporter for the last 12. In 2011, during the plant’s 25th anniversary year, the 6 millionth vehicle rolled off the line, and the plant achieved an annual production figure of 480,485 units – a new UK record for a single car plant. One in every three new cars built in the UK comes from Sunderland Plant.

The Sunderland factory has been operational since 1986 and currently employs around 5,800 people. It is part of the European division of the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The plant has a current line-up of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 production on Line 1, with Juke and Note on Line 2. Three main production areas – body assembly, paint, and final assembly – are fed by a press shop, castings plant, engine plant, axle plant, and a bumper moulding facility. A lithium-ion battery plant was recently built, to support introduction of electric vehicle production early next year. Many suppliers are also based within the Nissan facility, sharing line-side production areas.

The plant has been recognised globally as one of the most efficient manufacturing plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Nissans manufacturing worldwide. It is currently preparing for introduction of four new models over the next two years: production of electric vehicle LEAF will begin early 2013, then replacement for Note based on the INVITATION concept, a Qashqai replacement, and a new medium hatchback in 2014. Line 1 introduced a third shift in 2009 and Line 2 will follow suit in 2013, meaning the entire plant will be running as a 24-hour operation for the first time in its 26-year history.

During the visit, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of this award-winning facility by a member of the Nissan team. You will be able to see first hand how the company has applied Lean and other continuous improvement practices.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Culture and Philosphy … Kaizen … Five S … SOPs … TPM … Visual Management … Staff development and communication

Visit agenda

09:00 Arrival & Coffee
Welcome & Introductions
Nissan Background & Philosophy
Kaizen
Five S
Production Tour
Tour Review & Lunch
PLM (Nissan version of TPM)
Questions & Answers
16:15 Close

Nissan Motor Manufacturing

About the visit

Nissan Sunderland Plant has been the UK’s biggest car manufacturer for the past 14 years, and the biggest car exporter for the last 12. In 2011, during the plant’s 25th anniversary year, the 6 millionth vehicle rolled off the line, and the plant achieved an annual production figure of 480,485 units – a new UK record for a single car plant. One in every three new cars built in the UK comes from Sunderland Plant.

The Sunderland factory has been operational since 1986 and currently employs around 5,800 people. It is part of the European division of the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The plant has a current line-up of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 production on Line 1, with Juke and Note on Line 2. Three main production areas – body assembly, paint, and final assembly – are fed by a press shop, castings plant, engine plant, axle plant, and a bumper moulding facility. A lithium-ion battery plant was recently built, to support introduction of electric vehicle production early next year. Many suppliers are also based within the Nissan facility, sharing line-side production areas.

The plant has been recognised globally as one of the most efficient manufacturing plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Nissans manufacturing worldwide. It is currently preparing for introduction of four new models over the next two years: production of electric vehicle LEAF will begin early 2013, then replacement for Note based on the INVITATION concept, a Qashqai replacement, and a new medium hatchback in 2014. Line 1 introduced a third shift in 2009 and Line 2 will follow suit in 2013, meaning the entire plant will be running as a 24-hour operation for the first time in its 26-year history.

During the visit, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of this award-winning facility by a member of the Nissan team. You will be able to see first hand how the company has applied Lean and other continuous improvement practices.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Culture and Philosphy … Kaizen … Five S … SOPs … TPM … Visual Management … Staff development and communication

Visit agenda

09:00 Arrival & Coffee
Welcome & Introductions
Nissan Background & Philosophy
Kaizen
Five S
Production Tour
Tour Review & Lunch
PLM (Nissan version of TPM)
Questions & Answers
16:15 Close

Nissan Motor Manufacturing

About the visit

Nissan Sunderland Plant has been the UK’s biggest car manufacturer for the past 14 years, and the biggest car exporter for the last 12. In 2011, during the plant’s 25th anniversary year, the 6 millionth vehicle rolled off the line, and the plant achieved an annual production figure of 480,485 units – a new UK record for a single car plant. One in every three new cars built in the UK comes from Sunderland Plant.

The Sunderland factory has been operational since 1986 and currently employs around 5,800 people. It is part of the European division of the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The plant has a current line-up of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 production on Line 1, with Juke and Note on Line 2. Three main production areas – body assembly, paint, and final assembly – are fed by a press shop, castings plant, engine plant, axle plant, and a bumper moulding facility. A lithium-ion battery plant was recently built, to support introduction of electric vehicle production early next year. Many suppliers are also based within the Nissan facility, sharing line-side production areas.

The plant has been recognised globally as one of the most efficient manufacturing plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Nissans manufacturing worldwide. It is currently preparing for introduction of four new models over the next two years: production of electric vehicle LEAF will begin early 2013, then replacement for Note based on the INVITATION concept, a Qashqai replacement, and a new medium hatchback in 2014. Line 1 introduced a third shift in 2009 and Line 2 will follow suit in 2013, meaning the entire plant will be running as a 24-hour operation for the first time in its 26-year history.

During the visit, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of this award-winning facility by a member of the Nissan team. You will be able to see first hand how the company has applied Lean and other continuous improvement practices.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Culture and Philosphy … Kaizen … Five S … SOPs … TPM … Visual Management … Staff development and communication

Visit agenda

09:00 Arrival & Coffee
Welcome & Introductions
Nissan Background & Philosophy
Kaizen
Five S
Production Tour
Tour Review & Lunch
PLM (Nissan version of TPM)
Questions & Answers
16:15 Close

Greggs

About the visit

Ian Gregg purchased a business in Rutherglen known as Price’s in 1972. Then in 1989 purchased Flour Power, a small bakery in Edinburgh.  Shop growth continued at pace and the new bakery in Edinburgh opened in 1998. Volume outgrew the Rutherglen site and we moved to Clydesmill in 2007.  The site was built for 190 shops which they had outgrown by 2014.

To cope with shop expansion, supply proposal named  “Blue Print“, was developed, this fundamentally changed how every site operated and the number of lines produced.  Unfortunately, our Edinburgh site could not facilitate semi-automated processes, site closed in April 2017.  Extension to Clydesmill site in 2017 to facilitate additional freezer capacity, shop growth and Yum Yum line. Products made on site: Yum Yum, Belgian Buns, Apple Danish, Fruit Scone, Cheese Scone, Scotch Pies, Haggis Pies Producing a total of approx 1.25 million units per week. We also pick and transport to 288 shops in Scotland and bulk deliver to 14 in Northern Ireland.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Continuous Improvement…Engagement and Wellbeing …Transport…Radical Distribution

Visit agenda

10:00: Refreshments & Introduction

10.30:  Continuous Improvement

10.50:  Engagement

11.10:   Radical Distribution

11.30:   Site Tour

12.30:   Lunch

13.00:   Q&A and Feedback

13.45:   Close

Nissan Motor Manufacturing

About the visit

Nissan Sunderland Plant has been the UK’s biggest car manufacturer for the past 14 years, and the biggest car exporter for the last 12. In 2011, during the plant’s 25th anniversary year, the 6 millionth vehicle rolled off the line, and the plant achieved an annual production figure of 480,485 units – a new UK record for a single car plant. One in every three new cars built in the UK comes from Sunderland Plant.

The Sunderland factory has been operational since 1986 and currently employs around 5,800 people. It is part of the European division of the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The plant has a current line-up of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 production on Line 1, with Juke and Note on Line 2. Three main production areas – body assembly, paint, and final assembly – are fed by a press shop, castings plant, engine plant, axle plant, and a bumper moulding facility. A lithium-ion battery plant was recently built, to support introduction of electric vehicle production early next year. Many suppliers are also based within the Nissan facility, sharing line-side production areas.

The plant has been recognised globally as one of the most efficient manufacturing plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Nissans manufacturing worldwide. It is currently preparing for introduction of four new models over the next two years: production of electric vehicle LEAF will begin early 2013, then replacement for Note based on the INVITATION concept, a Qashqai replacement, and a new medium hatchback in 2014. Line 1 introduced a third shift in 2009 and Line 2 will follow suit in 2013, meaning the entire plant will be running as a 24-hour operation for the first time in its 26-year history.

During the visit, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of this award-winning facility by a member of the Nissan team. You will be able to see first hand how the company has applied Lean and other continuous improvement practices.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Culture and Philosphy … Kaizen … Five S … SOPs … TPM … Visual Management … Staff development and communication

Visit agenda

09:00 Arrival & Coffee
Welcome & Introductions
Nissan Background & Philosophy
Kaizen
Five S
Production Tour
Tour Review & Lunch
PLM (Nissan version of TPM)
Questions & Answers
16:15 Close

Lean Management System – LEVEL 1 – Japan Study Tour – Supply Chain

About the visit

14 -22 September 2024

Join the leading Lean Training Programme in Japan this September for an experience of a lifetime.

We are proud to offer you this unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience studying with Toyota gurus for one whole week in Japan.

Companies all over the world are facing the same challenges with increased material scarcity, increased freight prices, complex demand forecasting, etc. A major topic this week will thus be Supply Chain – how is Toyota working with both internal logistics and with its supplier network, staging bases and distribution centers to optimize their supply chains?

The Lean Management System study tour covers a comprehensive view of Lean leadership and the Lean Production System. The tour provides you with an opportunity to study in Toyota’s own training centre with direct access to Toyota trainers and Toyota  production facilities.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to boost your leadership and management skills by learning from the very best in the world. You will also obtain your Certificate directly from Toyota. We have created a study week that combines intense learning with both fun and cultural immersion!

Understand Why and How to use LEAN

This Study Tour will provide you with a deep understanding of how to make the best use of Lean. This is a unique opportunity to visit Japan, Toyota, and some of their suppliers to train in Lean through seminars, Gemba visits, and participating in practical training at Toyota’s own training facility. The objective is to dig deep into the WHAT, WHY and HOW of Lean Thinking. What are the elements needed to run a successful Lean system? Why is it so popular in current thinking and How can it influence your own organization and support growth.

By understanding the whole lean management system you will get an insight into what these leading Japanese companies are doing to compete in today’s fast changing environment.

You will learn to identify the tools and elements of Lean Methodology that can be applied to your own business to support profitable growth. The week in Japan will also provide an insight into Japanese culture and values.

Study Tour Package Includes:

  • Workshops and seminars
  • Study visits
  • Hotel Accommodation for the entire duration of the study visit
  • Local transfers in Japan
  • Full board Sunday – Friday
  • Farewell dinner

Costs & To Book

  •  £6,500 plus VAT, due to new restrictions we can advise on flights but not book on your behalf, pricing has been adjusted accordingly.
  • Onsite Host Companies: 10% Discount on all Bookings
  • Group Discount: 10% Discount on 4 or more places

Need Help or Advice?

For full terms and conditions and for details of our Company Insurance Policy please do contact us.

Any questions regarding the training, the travel to or within Japan – please do give us a call on +44 (0) 23 9246 8978.

The study tour is being delivered by SA Partners LLP and Onsite Insights in partnership with C2U Group.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean Manufacturing … Company culture … Kanban … Kaizen … 5S … TPM … Visual Management … Managing full product lifecycle … Value stream mapping … Quality Problem Sheet … Five Whys? … Process flow … Environmental Management … Training & Development … Quality Control … Investor in People

Visit agenda

The training week will provide an invaluable insight into lean thinking. You will see it in action at Toyota and other leading-edge companies, where it originated and has matured over the last 100 years.

Learn the original thinking directly from former senior executives at Gifu Autobody, a Toyota-owned minivan manufacturer.  The Japanese sensei’s

(guru’s) will only teach based on real experience.

Time will be divided between the classroom, Gemba and practical workshops. The tour starts in the Nagoya region and ends in Tokyo, going from countryside to one of the largest cities in the world.

Saturday: Travel day

Some participants might need to leave on Friday to meet the start up on Sunday morning.

Sunday: Tour Opening

We will take the opportunity to recover from jetlag and relax after the long flight by visiting the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology where we also will have lunch. In the museum we can follow the Japanese industrial history from looms to robotics. After the visit we travel to the destination of the day, Kakamigahara, where we will stay until Friday. The day ends with a common dinner and introduction of the week.

Monday: Training

The first day of training introduces the Production System by our host for the week. A Japanese senior manager will lead us through Toyota Production System from a manager perspective. From values, mindset to specific tools and methods. This session will prepare the group in what we can expect from the study visits, from the practice and from the following sessions. Your overall picture of the production system will be confirmed or completed. In the afternoon we go for a first study visit, guided by our sensei. Q&A. Common dinner.

Tuesday: Training

Next day, we continue to dig deeper into aspects of the production system and the Toyota way of managing and leading. How are all the puzzle pieces connected?
How is Kaizen work organized and performed? Etc. After lunch, we go for another study visit and if time allows, we will also end with a visit to a traditional knife maker. Common dinner.

Wednesday: Training

This day we spend in the Training Center where Toyota train their own people. We will increase our knowledge of Kanban when the group take part in a Kanban Role Play and we will train in how to perform a productivity improvement task following the Toyota methods. Common dinner.

Thursday: Training

We will start with a study visit before spending the rest of the day with a final Q&A and concluding the learnings for the week. Presentation by all participants. Common dinner.

Friday: Conclusion

The last day ends with a study visit. We do final reflections before we board the bullet train that will take us to Tokyo. Free evening in Tokyo. Common farewell dinner.

Saturday/Sunday: Tokyo

Free day/departure. Possibility to extend stay.

Lean Management System – LEVEL 1 – Japan Study Tour

About the visit

23 November – 1 December 2024

Join the leading Lean Training Programme in Japan this November for an experience of a lifetime.

We are proud to offer you this unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience studying with Toyota gurus for one whole week in Japan.

The Lean Management System study tour covers a comprehensive view of Lean leadership and the Lean Production System. The tour provides you with an opportunity to study in Toyota’s own training centre with direct access to Toyota trainers and Toyota  production facilities.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to boost your leadership and management skills by learning from the very best in the world. You will also obtain your Certificate directly from Toyota. We have created a study week that combines intense learning with both fun and cultural immersion!

Understand Why and How to use LEAN

This Study Tour will provide you with a deep understanding of how to make the best use of Lean. This is a unique opportunity to visit Japan, Toyota, and some of their suppliers to train in Lean through seminars, Gemba visits, and participating in practical training at Toyota’s own training facility. The objective is to dig deep into the WHAT, WHY and HOW of Lean Thinking. What are the elements needed to run a successful Lean system? Why is it so popular in current thinking and How can it influence your own organization and support growth.

By understanding the whole lean management system you will get an insight into what these leading Japanese companies are doing to compete in today’s fast changing environment.

You will learn to identify the tools and elements of Lean Methodology that can be applied to your own business to support profitable growth. The week in Japan will also provide an insight into Japanese culture and values.

Study Tour Package Includes:

  • Workshops and seminars
  • Study visits
  • Hotel Accommodation for the entire duration of the study visit
  • Local transfers in Japan
  • Full board Sunday – Friday
  • Farewell dinner

Costs & To Book

  •  £6,500 plus VAT, due to new restrictions we can advise on flights but not book on your behalf, pricing has been adjusted accordingly.
  • Onsite Host Companies: 10% Discount on all Bookings
  • Group Discount: 10% Discount on 4 or more places

Need Help or Advice?

For full terms and conditions and for details of our Company Insurance Policy please do contact us.

Any questions regarding the training, the travel to or within Japan – please do give us a call on +44 (0) 23 9246 8978.

The study tour is being delivered by SA Partners LLP and Onsite Insights in partnership with C2U Group.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean Manufacturing … Company culture … Kanban … Kaizen … 5S … TPM … Visual Management … Managing full product lifecycle … Value stream mapping … Quality Problem Sheet … Five Whys? … Process flow … Environmental Management … Training & Development … Quality Control … Investor in People

Visit agenda

The training week will provide an invaluable insight into lean thinking. You will see it in action at Toyota and other leading-edge companies, where it originated and has matured over the last 100 years.

Learn the original thinking directly from former senior executives at Gifu Autobody, a Toyota-owned minivan manufacturer.  The Japanese sensei’s

(guru’s) will only teach based on real experience.

Time will be divided between the classroom, Gemba and practical workshops. The tour starts in the Nagoya region and ends in Tokyo, going from countryside to one of the largest cities in the world.

Saturday: Travel day

Some participants might need to leave on Friday to meet the start up on Sunday morning.

Sunday: Tour Opening

We will take the opportunity to recover from jetlag and relax after the long flight by visiting the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology where we also will have lunch. In the museum we can follow the Japanese industrial history from looms to robotics. After the visit we travel to the destination of the day, Kakamigahara, where we will stay until Friday. The day ends with a common dinner and introduction of the week.

Monday: Training

The first day of training introduces the Production System by our host for the week. A Japanese senior manager will lead us through Toyota Production System from a manager perspective. From values, mindset to specific tools and methods. This session will prepare the group in what we can expect from the study visits, from the practice and from the following sessions. Your overall picture of the production system will be confirmed or completed. In the afternoon we go for a first study visit, guided by our sensei. Q&A. Common dinner.

Tuesday: Training

Next day, we continue to dig deeper into aspects of the production system and the Toyota way of managing and leading. How are all the puzzle pieces connected?
How is Kaizen work organized and performed? Etc. After lunch, we go for another study visit and if time allows, we will also end with a visit to a traditional knife maker. Common dinner.

Wednesday: Training

This day we spend in the Training Center where Toyota train their own people. We will increase our knowledge of Kanban when the group take part in a Kanban Role Play and we will train in how to perform a productivity improvement task following the Toyota methods. Common dinner.

Thursday: Training

We will start with a study visit before spending the rest of the day with a final Q&A and concluding the learnings for the week. Presentation by all participants. Common dinner.

Friday: Conclusion

The last day ends with a study visit. We do final reflections before we board the bullet train that will take us to Tokyo. Free evening in Tokyo. Common farewell dinner.

Saturday/Sunday: Tokyo

Free day/departure. Possibility to extend stay.

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

RS Group

About the visit

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, RS Group are the digital destination for product and service solutions to help their customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses.

RS provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day their team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. They consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of their customers and challenge themselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

RS Group have been on a CI journey for at least 15 years, starting by doing improvement projects (6-sigma) and over the last 3 years starting to move more into the Lean Thinking approach. They are in the process of getting the Executive Committee to sign off a new strategy which introduces the Shingo Approach as the way they want to work across the organisation.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean…Continuous Improvement…Employee Engagement …Applying Lean  …Global Shared Business Services..Back Office

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  RS Group – Our First Choice Strategy

10.30:  Lean & Continuous Improvement

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Warehouse

11.30:   Site Tour – Global Shared Business

12.45:   Feedback on Site Tours

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

Lear Corporation

About the visit

Lear is the world leader in luxury and performance seating for the automotive industry.  Supplying the majority of the world’s leading manufacturers, they have established a reputation for superior engineering, excellence in manufacturing and craftmanship. The organisation was named as one of the Fortune’s 2023 Most Admired Companies. Seating is built to order on a just in time basis and the site manages over 3000 product variations over 2 build lines.  Redditch is an assembly plant and the sole supplier of seating for one of the UK’s most prodigious car brands.

The Redditch site was purchased by Lear in 2010 and they rapidly created a centre of excellence.  On the visit you will see excellent standards of:

  • Workplace organisation (Five S)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Tools & Techniques
  • Digital SOP’s and poke yoke
  • Takt & product flow
  • Tiered Management System
  • Obeya – Central Control room

Employee engagement is achieved through both their Kaizen initiative and also their TIC (Team Improvement Circle) program delivered in partnership with their key customer.  They have developed a training academy on site with a capability centre within the factory environment.  Learning and engagement is also encouraged through bite-sized learning; lunch & learns and line-side development.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Workplace organisation…Visual Management… Lean Tools & Techniques …Digital SOP’s and poke yoke  …Takt & product flow…Tiered Management System…Obeya – Central Control room

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  Lear – Our Heritage

10.30:  Our Continuous Improvement Journey

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Lean/CI/Visual Management

12.30:   Site Tour – OHNO Circles

12.45:   Feedback on OHNO Circles

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement – TIC & Kaizen

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

Lear Corporation

About the visit

Lear is the world leader in luxury and performance seating for the automotive industry.  Supplying the majority of the world’s leading manufacturers, they have established a reputation for superior engineering, excellence in manufacturing and craftmanship. The organisation was named as one of the Fortune’s 2023 Most Admired Companies. Seating is built to order on a just in time basis and the site manages over 3000 product variations over 2 build lines.  Redditch is an assembly plant and the sole supplier of seating for one of the UK’s most prodigious car brands.

The Redditch site was purchased by Lear in 2010 and they rapidly created a centre of excellence.  On the visit you will see excellent standards of:

  • Workplace organisation (Five S)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Tools & Techniques
  • Digital SOP’s and poke yoke
  • Takt & product flow
  • Tiered Management System
  • Obeya – Central Control room

Employee engagement is achieved through both their Kaizen initiative and also their TIC (Team Improvement Circle) program delivered in partnership with their key customer.  They have developed a training academy on site with a capability centre within the factory environment.  Learning and engagement is also encouraged through bite-sized learning; lunch & learns and line-side development.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Workplace organisation…Visual Management… Lean Tools & Techniques …Digital SOP’s and poke yoke  …Takt & product flow…Tiered Management System…Obeya – Central Control room

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  Lear – Our Heritage

10.30:  Our Continuous Improvement Journey

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Lean/CI/Visual Management

12.30:   Site Tour – OHNO Circles

12.45:   Feedback on OHNO Circles

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement – TIC & Kaizen

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

Lear Corporation

About the visit

Lear is the world leader in luxury and performance seating for the automotive industry.  Supplying the majority of the world’s leading manufacturers, they have established a reputation for superior engineering, excellence in manufacturing and craftmanship. The organisation was named as one of the Fortune’s 2023 Most Admired Companies. Seating is built to order on a just in time basis and the site manages over 3000 product variations over 2 build lines.  Redditch is an assembly plant and the sole supplier of seating for one of the UK’s most prodigious car brands.

The Redditch site was purchased by Lear in 2010 and they rapidly created a centre of excellence.  On the visit you will see excellent standards of:

  • Workplace organisation (Five S)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Tools & Techniques
  • Digital SOP’s and poke yoke
  • Takt & product flow
  • Tiered Management System
  • Obeya – Central Control room

Employee engagement is achieved through both their Kaizen initiative and also their TIC (Team Improvement Circle) program delivered in partnership with their key customer.  They have developed a training academy on site with a capability centre within the factory environment.  Learning and engagement is also encouraged through bite-sized learning; lunch & learns and line-side development.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Workplace organisation…Visual Management… Lean Tools & Techniques …Digital SOP’s and poke yoke  …Takt & product flow…Tiered Management System…Obeya – Central Control room

Visit agenda

09:45: Arrival & Welcome

10.00:  Lear – Our Heritage

10.30:  Our Continuous Improvement Journey

11.15:   Refreshment Break

11.30:   Site Tour – Lean/CI/Visual Management

12.30:   Site Tour – OHNO Circles

12.45:   Feedback on OHNO Circles

13.00:   Lunch

13.30:   Employee Engagement – TIC & Kaizen

14.00:   Round Table Discussion

14.45:   Feedback

15.00:   Close

Cummins Power

About the visit

Cummins is a world leader in the design and manufacture of engines and power generation equipment, including PowerCommand standby and prime power systems. The site also provides single-source warranty, planned maintenance, and round-the-clock emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week including back-up power rental through our network of distributors.

There are five operating segments:

– Engine
– Power Systems
– Components
– Distribution
– Electrified Power

At Daventry, the plant manufactures automotive engines used in heavy and medium trucks, bus and off highway vehicles. The site also manufactures light duty automotive. More recently the site has also begun manufacture of the power generation systems (Gensets) which are used in a variety of environments including rail, mining, oil and gas and commercial marine.

Manufacturing processes on site include: Machining of blocks, Assembly build, Sub-assembly, Paint, Final Test.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean Manufacturing … Continuous Improvement … Continuous Flow Line … Takt Time … Visual Management … Problem Solving Boards … Employee Engagement … Culture Change … Planned Maintenance … SOPs (Standard Work) … Suggestion Scheme … Kanban … Five S

Visit agenda

10.00: Arrival & Welcome

  • This is Cummins Daventry
  • CI evolution and where we are today
  • Plant tour
  • Lunch
  • Industry 4.0 Digital Manufacturing
  • Quality 4.0
  • Q&A

15.00: Close & Depart

Cummins Power

About the visit

Cummins is a world leader in the design and manufacture of engines and power generation equipment, including PowerCommand standby and prime power systems. The site also provides single-source warranty, planned maintenance, and round-the-clock emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week including back-up power rental through our network of distributors.

There are five operating segments:

– Engine
– Power Systems
– Components
– Distribution
– Electrified Power

At Daventry, the plant manufactures automotive engines used in heavy and medium trucks, bus and off highway vehicles. The site also manufactures light duty automotive. More recently the site has also begun manufacture of the power generation systems (Gensets) which are used in a variety of environments including rail, mining, oil and gas and commercial marine.

Manufacturing processes on site include: Machining of blocks, Assembly build, Sub-assembly, Paint, Final Test.

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

Lean Manufacturing … Continuous Improvement … Continuous Flow Line … Takt Time … Visual Management … Problem Solving Boards … Employee Engagement … Culture Change … Planned Maintenance … SOPs (Standard Work) … Suggestion Scheme … Kanban … Five S

Visit agenda

10.00: Arrival & Welcome

  • This is Cummins Daventry
  • CI evolution and where we are today
  • Plant tour
  • Lunch
  • Industry 4.0 Digital Manufacturing
  • Quality 4.0
  • Q&A

15.00: Close & Depart

Vale

About the visit

The Vale Clydach Refinery located near Swansea in South Wales, is one of Europe’s largest nickel refineries, producing high purity nickel pellet and powder products for specialist applications such as high nickel alloys, batteries, nickel plating and automotive components. They supply over 280 customers in over 30 countries worldwide (Europe, Asia and USA). Their Continuous Improvement (CI) approach has been based around specific tools: Standard Work, 5S, TPM, OEE, QCO and Six Sigma.

Winner of the prestigious Shingo silver medallion in 2014.

Continuous Improvement Journey to Shingo Silver medallion win
__________________________________________________

The site has been on a CI & Operational Excellence journey since 2008 and are proud of their achievements. Employees have been trained in CI tools such as problem solving and are encouraged to apply this learning in their work team. Key to their success has been engaging their employees to contribute improvement ideas and participate in their implementation. The visit will be an opportunity for them to share these experiences and what they have learnt along the way, through to being awarded the Shingo Silver medallion for Operational Excellence in January 2014.

Corporate Social Responsibility
_____________________________

The Clydach Refinery is justly proud of their environmental record. In 2014 99.9% of all waste has been diverted from landfill, with 77% re-used or recycled. With a 100 year history, it is important to us that we maintain good Community relations. This visit will focus on the improvements we have made and what we do to contribute and engage with our Community.

Visual Management – ‘Yellow Boards’
________________________________

Throughout Clydach Refinery, Continuous Improvement “Yellow Boards” are used to:

– Cascade Refinery strategy into meaningful activities for each work team.

– Track KPI’s and action plans.

– Action important issues, escalating items where appropriate.

– Enhance communication within team, and allow employees to provide feedback.

– Cascade expectations around the behaviours needed to sustain our CI culture.

– Recognise team success.

They will share the process with you and during a tour of the Refiner you will have the opportunity to see the Yellow Boards in practice

​

Visit in 60 seconds / Awards

World Class Manufacturing … Lean Manufacturing … Engagement & Behaviours … Sustainability & Environment … Shingo Winner

Visit agenda

09.45: Arrival & refreshments
10.00: Welcome & introductions
10.30: Overview of the Refinery and our CI Journey
11.15: Refreshment Break
11.30: Corporate Social responsibility
12.30:Lunch
13.15: Site Tour
14.45: Questions & Answers session
15.30: Close & Depart

Lean Forum Charitable Sector Virtual Group

About the visit

About 15 years ago we founded a networking group called the LEAN Forum® to encourage the sharing of ideas and inspiration on Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking.
The LEAN Forum is a not-for-profit network that has grown to over 400 members located across the UK, Europe, and the USA.   A number of our members operate in the charity/third sector and have asked if we could consider creating a group that specifically engages and supports Charitable organisations in their Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking journey.
This initial kick-off meeting will be on the 22nd November 2022 at 2-3pm GMT. 
At the initial meeting we will be looking to establish agreement on the networks purpose and vision, governance, format/content, and the frequency of the networking sessions.  To reiterate, the network would be free to attend, and run on a not-for-profit basis.
 
Based on the success of the LEAN Forum®, we believe this new network could make a very positive impact on your charity and support your teams develop their skills. 
 
If you believe this network would be of value to your organisation but feel others are better placed to attend, then please feel free to share this link.

Lean Forum Charitable Sector Virtual Group

About the visit

About 15 years ago we founded a networking group called the LEAN Forum® to encourage the sharing of ideas and inspiration on Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking.
The LEAN Forum is a not-for-profit network that has grown to over 400 members located across the UK, Europe, and the USA.   A number of our members operate in the charity/third sector and have asked if we could consider creating a group that specifically engages and supports Charitable organisations in their Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking journey.
This initial kick-off meeting will be on the 22nd November 2022 at 2-3pm GMT. 
At the initial meeting we will be looking to establish agreement on the networks purpose and vision, governance, format/content, and the frequency of the networking sessions.  To reiterate, the network would be free to attend, and run on a not-for-profit basis.
 
Based on the success of the LEAN Forum®, we believe this new network could make a very positive impact on your charity and support your teams develop their skills. 
 
If you believe this network would be of value to your organisation but feel others are better placed to attend, then please feel free to share this link.

Lean Forum Charitable Sector Virtual Group

About the visit

About 15 years ago we founded a networking group called the LEAN Forum® to encourage the sharing of ideas and inspiration on Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking.
The LEAN Forum is a not-for-profit network that has grown to over 400 members located across the UK, Europe, and the USA.   A number of our members operate in the charity/third sector and have asked if we could consider creating a group that specifically engages and supports Charitable organisations in their Continuous Improvement and Lean Thinking journey.
This initial kick-off meeting will be on the 22nd November 2022 at 2-3pm GMT. 
At the initial meeting we will be looking to establish agreement on the networks purpose and vision, governance, format/content, and the frequency of the networking sessions.  To reiterate, the network would be free to attend, and run on a not-for-profit basis.
 
Based on the success of the LEAN Forum®, we believe this new network could make a very positive impact on your charity and support your teams develop their skills. 
 
If you believe this network would be of value to your organisation but feel others are better placed to attend, then please feel free to share this link.