The training was intense but had great value because the subjects have been explained in such a clear manner opposite to some European experts who know how to turn lean into some NASA scientific miracle from another planet.
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Una Kasparaviča, HR ManagerAE Partners
Liepaja, Latvia

A great training experience with a very wise lean practitioner, simplifying understanding of approaches to lean.
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Peter Reade, Volvo Production System Internal ConsultantVolvo Group
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Thank you Shinka Team – this is very useful and, believe me, we will use it extensively. Rest assured that we will call you whenever something is required as the team is extremely satisfied with your time with us and, in particular, I have learnt a lot of new things and you’ve made me think a lot.
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Ignacio Sanchez Gatell, Director – Lean, Quality & Business TransformationEmirates Global Aluminium
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

It made all the light bulbs go off in my head. I knew the principles and I knew the theory but now it just all makes sense, now I can apply what I know and make real improvements in my business.
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Denise Cooper, HR ManagerCalder Stewart
Milton, Otago, New Zealand

To do a lean learning tour with Shinka is definitely highly recommended. As lean is a personal journey for everyone who is involved in this topic, it doesn’t matter at which point of your journey you are in. At each level of personal experience there is a lot that you can take home with you. As an eye opener, as a deepener of your own level, as inspiration or as a booster – just do it. Organisation, support, guidance and facilitation by the coaches and trainers – five stars from five!
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Sebastian Donner, Lean ExpertAirbus
Hamburg, Germany

I enjoyed every aspect of this extremely well organised kaizen tour including: factory visits, translations by Paul and Ben, TPS training, sightseeing, accommodation, transportation, and meals. This tour is a must for anyone trying to understand / implement LEAN into their business or organisation. I hope the tour continues for many years to come as I would like to do it again in future.
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Jan Schjottelvig, Quality ManagerSaint-Gobain Abrasives
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I attended the Shinka Management / Ai Group / JMAC Lean Japan Study Tour in 2010 – outstanding, highly recommended. (I don’t have this much fun when I go on holiday.) To see the cultural home of Lean Manufacturing is an experience you will never forget. Ride on a bullet train, walk the factory floor in Toyota plants and talk to the production people, see modular housing being produced on a Lean Production line. Eat in a different Japanese restaurant every night, practice your Karaoke, see Tokyo – amazing! Our tour was guided by Ben Sparrow, an Aussie who is fluent in Japanese and great company (night and day). The Japan Lean Manufacturing tour is a “must do” for anyone serious about understanding world class manufacturing!
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John Mills, Business AdviserAustralian Industry Group
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

A high quality, professional and first-hand experience of how just-in-time and lean are mastered. Great for professional development and a genuine motivator to go further using the lean tools available. A marvelous cultural experience.
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Mark McGuinness, Manufacturing ManagerMoffat
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The one week Lean Japan Tour not only validates ‘how lean can make business sense’ but also provides the opportunity to learn and share with professionals across different industries.
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Vikas Chhabra, Senior Manager – Operational ExcellenceCertis CISCO Security
Singapore

The whole tour was very professionally undertaken and led. Paul and Ben have to be congratulated for putting together a very informative and very enjoyable experience. The itinerary was excellent and to see from the raw material all the way through the supply chain through to the finished product was superb. I loved the thought put into gaining the experience of the Japanese culture and food. I would very much recommend this tour for organizations and companies looking to implement lean.
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David Cunningham, Performance ManagerMetro Trains Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia