Kaizen Events
"Kaizen" is a Japanese word which, roughly translated. is used to describe rapid change (Kai = change and Zen = do it quickly). A Kaizen event is Pella Corporation's way to improve production, eliminate waste, or ensure quality. The goal is to constantly take things apart and discover better ways to reassemble them. This includes everything from improving the assembly process to the way Pella serves their customers.
A Kaizen team is formed combining people from various areas whose abilities relate to the assignment at hand. In a specified time (usually a week), the team's task is to resolve an issue. They are given the machinery and the resources to get their solutions up and running.
When the event concludes, the team presents a summary of the week's work to an audience primarily comprised of upper management and other team members. Pella's video-conferencing system is also utilized to allow participation from each Pella Division site.
Last year alone, Pella Corporation conducted more than 800 Kaizen events involving more than 2,500 participants.
"Your challenge this week is to be bold, make changes, make a difference."
Denny Van Zanten, Corporate Vice President and Wood Division President and COO