ABOUT THE MISSION

Since 1992, the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) training programme has helped over a thousand participants from all EU member states. The five-day training programme is designed for EU decision-makers with an engineering background and a good understanding of WCM in Japan. The Japanese manufacturing industry has achieved remarkable success by implementing various techniques such as Total Quality Control (TQC), Total Quality Management (TQM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Just In Time (JIT), and Total Industrial Engineering (TIE). Along with these techniques, the KAIZEN manufacturing methodology, which emphasises continuous improvement, is widely applied to enhance manufacturing processes and product quality. Using these techniques, Japanese manufacturers have achieved exceptional quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

SCHEDULE

The mission will start on Monday, February 17, 2025, in Nagoya. During the following days, the selected 25 participants will attend lectures and workshops related to Lean Thinking, TQM, and TPM. They will also have the opportunity to visit some of the world's most advanced Japanese factories or suppliers, giving a comprehensive understanding of the latest Japanese manufacturing techniques.

The mission will end on Friday, February 21, 2025, with group presentations during which participants will report what they have witnessed about Japanese manufacturing methods and explain how, based on their observations, they will encounter challenges in their own companies.

OBJECTIVES

- Experience Japan's renowned manufacturing standards with an authentic "Gemba" tour.

- Gain insights into lean strategies and innovative approaches to production.

- Immerse yourself in local culture.

- Join us for an incredible journey that will provide you with a new perspective on manufacturing and valuable knowledge for your company

PARTICIPANT'S PROFILE

- Position: Key strategic role within the company. Suitable positions may include Production Directors, Operations or Logistics Managers, Plant Managers, Quality Managers, Managing Directors, or similar positions.

- Responsibility: Shapes best practices and quality control systems. Influences company's management in manufacturing and service industries

ELIGIBILITY

This call for applications targets individuals working for SMEs (*) (small and medium enterprises, start-ups) or large companies from the European Union or a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar(**), who have not taken part in a previous physical edition of the WCM mission. On top of that…

• …the usual place of work must be at a manufacturing plant or service provider located in an eligible country.
• …the candidate's employer must provide a signed letter of support.
• …the candidate must be able to participate in the entire programme.
• …the candidate must possess a good command of English (recommended level B2 or higher).

(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission to be classified as SMEs.

(**) Please check the status of your country here.

SELECTION

The candidate’s current responsibilities and the organisation's approach to implementing WCM methodologies are the main selection criteria. While the sector of activity plays a minor role, candidates from the consulting sector may receive a lower priority during the selection process.

COSTS

The EU-Japan Centre will cover all expenses related to the WCM mission, including visits to some of Japan's most advanced factories, the venue for the workshops and group discussions, and bus transportation from one site to another. However, participants are responsible for their travel to and from the mission and accommodation expenses.

DEPOSIT

Participants selected for the programme must pay a €1000 deposit. For large companies, this payment confirms participation and is non-refundable. Participants from SMEs will be entitled to a refund of the deposit on submission of a brief post-event report. Before submitting your application, please ensure your commitment, as cancelling after confirmation will result in forfeiture of the deposit.