
Category: Local Initiatives US
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Lean Manufacturing in the United States: From Operational Excellence to Smart Industry
The manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of the US economy, generating approximately $2.9 trillion in value added — around 10 percent of national GDP (Apollo Technical, 2025). In the second quarter of 2025, manufacturing productivity increased by 2.5%, surpassing its long-term average of 2.17% (YCharts, 2025). However, despite these positive indicators, U.S. manufacturing continues to…
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Retail Transformation: Omnichannel, AI & Customer-Centric Culture
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by digitalization, shifting consumer behavior, and the push for operational efficiency. To explore these challenges, Kaizen Institute hosted an exclusive webinar, “Beyond the Storefront: Navigating the New Retail Reality,” featuring three senior executives: Javier Mallo, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Carrefour Spain; Miguel Martins da Silva, Group Chief…
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Revitalizing American steel: A comprehensive roadmap through lean manufacturing
The American steel industry, once the undisputed leader in global steel production, is now confronting its most significant disruption since the Industrial Revolution. As we examine today’s manufacturing landscape, it’s clear that traditional approaches are struggling to keep pace with shifting demands and new realities. What’s required is nothing short of a manufacturing renaissance that…
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Rebuilding American Industry Starts with 5S
The United States stands at a critical juncture in its industrial competitiveness. As global rivals like China and Germany continue to advance their manufacturing capabilities through disciplined operational systems, American productivity growth has stalled. The latest data reveals a concerning trend that demands immediate attention and action. This is not just about keeping pace with…
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Lean Manufacturing as a Strategic Response to US Manufacturing Challenges
The US manufacturing sector is under intense pressure and transition. There continues to be a decline in the availability of labor across all regions and skill levels. The global supply chain remains unstable. Transportation and material costs have risen. In addition, customer expectations are shifting toward faster delivery, better traceability, and greater sustainability. In this…
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Relocating Production: Gaining Competitive Advantage and Operational Efficiency
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, companies face a critical question: where should they position their production and supply chains for maximum efficiency and resilience? Worldwide, businesses are re-evaluating the geography of their value chains, and American companies are no exception. While optimizing cost reduction remains a key motivator, organizations strive to shorten lead times,…