Manufacturing Excellence Program Launch

MOSOOK - Saudi Japan Business Center has officially launched its Manufacturing Excellence Program in Riyadh, a comprehensive knowledge transfer initiative designed to bring world-renowned Japanese lean manufacturing and kaizen methodologies to 50 Saudi industrial enterprises over the next three years. The program, developed in partnership with the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) and supported by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, represents one of the most ambitious industrial capacity-building initiatives in the history of Saudi-Japan cooperation. The Manufacturing Excellence Program is structured around four core modules: Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): Participating companies will receive intensive training in TPM methodologies that have helped Japanese manufacturers achieve near-zero equipment breakdowns and defect rates. Expert trainers from JIPM will conduct on-site assessments and develop customized implementation roadmaps for each facility. Kaizen and Continuous Improvement: The program introduces kaizen philosophy and practical tools for identifying and eliminating waste in manufacturing processes. Participants will learn to implement rapid improvement events (kaizen blitzes) and establish sustainable continuous improvement cultures within their organizations. Quality Management Systems: Drawing on Japan's legendary commitment to quality, the program covers statistical process control, quality circles, and the implementation of advanced quality management frameworks. Companies that successfully complete the program will be eligible for JIPM's prestigious TPM Excellence Award. Supply Chain Optimization: The final module focuses on lean supply chain management, just-in-time delivery systems, and supplier development methodologies. This component is particularly relevant for Saudi manufacturers seeking to integrate into global automotive, electronics, and aerospace supply chains. The first cohort of 15 companies began the program this month, representing sectors including automotive parts manufacturing, food processing, building materials, and petrochemical products. Each company will receive approximately 500 hours of expert consulting and training over an 18-month engagement period. Early results from pilot implementations have been promising, with participating companies reporting average improvements of 25% in equipment efficiency and 30% reductions in waste during the initial assessment phase.