TOYOTA KAIZEN METHODS : SIX STEPS TO IMPROVEMENT

Art Smalley is a consultant specializing in the area of leadership, problem solving, and other methods for operational improvement and has served numerous major companies around the world. Art was one of the first American’s to work for Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan first studying at different universities in Japan and then learning TPS manufacturing principles in the Kamigo engine plant where Taiichi Ohno was the founding plant manager. During his stay in Toyota Art played an instrumental role in the development and transfer of both precision equipment and TPS methods to Toyota’s overseas plants. After a decade in Japan, Art returned to the United States and served as Director of Lean Manufacturing for Donnelly Corporation. Art subsequently joined the international management consulting firm of McKinsey & Company and was one of the firm’s leading experts in the area of lean manufacturing for a period of four years. During this time he counseled numerous Fortune 500 clients on operational matters involving lean implementation and lead specific cost, quality, and delivery improvement projects. In 2003 Art launched his own company Art of Lean, Inc. and now divides his time serving a diverse base of clients pursuing operational excellence. In addition Art serves as senior faculty member and periodic adviser to the Lean Enterprise Institute and its global affiliates delivering lectures to leading manufacturing executives around the world.