Category: Local Initiatives US

  • U.S. M&A activity expected to grow further in 2026

    Following a period of slower deal-making, there are signs that global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is recovering. Global M&A activity increased by around 40% in 2025, and investment banks expect this trend to continue into 2026. This is supported by AI-driven investment, private-equity capital deployment, and improved regulatory visibility1. Against this global backdrop, US…

  • Supermarket trends in the United States 2026: How the grocery market is being reshaped

    The U.S. grocery sector is entering a new phase, with economic pressures, technological innovation, and changing consumer expectations reshaping how supermarkets operate and compete. Following several years of inflation, supply chain disruption, and rapid digitalization, retailers are adjusting their strategies to strike a balance between value, convenience, and profitability in an increasingly competitive market. As…

  • Quality scrap reduction and OEE improvement at Novolex

    +70.5% Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) $153K Annual savings achieved through defect reduction The global food packaging industry plays a vital role in connecting food producers, retailers, and consumers through safe, reliable, and sustainable solutions. In recent years, the sector has faced growing pressure to balance operational efficiency, product quality, and environmental responsibility. Manufacturers are being…

  • Logistics network footprint: building an efficient and resilient supply chain

    Designing an effective logistics network footprint has become a critical challenge for organizations facing rising service expectations, increasing cost pressures, and growing supply chain management complexity. Decisions regarding the number, location, and function of warehouses, hubs, and transport routes directly and permanently impact logistics performance, customer satisfaction, and overall competitiveness, influencing operational efficiency and the…

  • AI as a competitive differentiator in the US health insurance market 

    In the US health insurance market, artificial intelligence is becoming a decisive factor in differentiating between leaders and laggards. While many insurers continue to experiment with pilots and isolated use cases, a smaller group is already reshaping the insurance industry. These companies are using AI as a core competitive lever, rather than a supporting technology.…

  • Revolutionizing sales order processes: Codexis’ journey to operational excellence

    -66% Lead time via contract templates  +50% Faster quote creation -33% Shorter order confirmation process In the fast-paced world of modern pharmaceuticals, companies must continuously evolve their internal processes to stay competitive and meet the relentless demands of innovation and efficiency. Those who take the extra step to transform their operations—through structured, high-impact methodologies like…

  • Innersense Organic Beauty: Transforming order fulfillment through Kaizen

    -80% Average lead times -84% DTC lead time -84% Distributor lead time Innersense Organic Beauty embarked on a transformation journey to reimagine how fulfillment and customer experience could work in harmony. What began as an urgent need to overcome shipping delays evolved into a company-wide effort to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and daily management across teams.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…