At Yanmar, progress is more than a goal—it’s a mindset. The recent Kaizen training at Yanmar Construction Equipment Europe (YCEE) is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. On January 22nd, 2025, participants came together for the final report session, concluding months of Kaizen activities that led to real efficiency improvements.

What is Kaizen?

Kaizen (改善) is a Japanese concept known worldwide, meaning change (KAI 改) for the better (ZEN 善) – no matter whether the current situation is good or bad. It focuses on continuous small improvements that lead to significant progress over time. This philosophy is deeply embedded in Yanmar’s DNA, driving efficiency, innovation, and teamwork across all levels of our organization. The Global Manufacturing Center (GMC) supports Kaizen activities at each subsidiary, and Kaizen training is one of these initiatives.

Results That Matter

The Kaizen training, held in September 2024, brought together 13 key personnel from six subsidiaries, equipping them with the tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency on the mini-excavator assembly line.

Their efforts led to impressive outcomes:

• Cycle Time Reduction: Streamlining assembly steps minimized unnecessary movements and increased productivity.
• 135 Ideas for Improvement: Employees actively contributed ideas, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and innovation. Examples include optimizing material handling, improving logistics, reducing walking distances, and refining the layout.

Following the training, YCEE continued implementing improvements, including optimizing the sub-assembly line and reducing stations, making processes more effective and streamlined.

Insights from Leadership

Nicolas Galland, YCEE Manufacturing Engineer, reflected on the shift in workplace culture:

Kaizen ideas are now coming directly from the shop floor, thanks to stronger teamwork and communication across different teams.

Jon Lopez, President CE EMEA, encouraged the team to build on their achievements:

I want to thank everyone for their dedication and the great results you have achieved. Now, CE is ready to gain momentum. Let’s put our plan into action and create even more success in 2025 and beyond.

The Path Forward

Kaizen is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. At Yanmar, we continue to embed best practices such as:

• Gemba Walks – Engaging directly with employees on the production floor to drive meaningful improvements.
• Flexible Adaptation – Aligning workflows with production demands for maximum efficiency.
• Employee-Led Innovation – Encouraging ownership and accountability at every level.

With the continued support of GMC, Kaizen training will remain a key driver of progress at Yanmar. Together, we are shaping the future of excellence—not only in construction equipment manufacturing but across all Yanmar business units. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey of continuous improvement!