Manufacturing performance: Impact of Kaizen-Blitz implementation in several automotive components first tier suppliers*

Resumen

The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of improving production indicators by means of the application of lean production techniques, developed through Kaizen-Blitz teams made up of managers and operators. To this end, the empirical research will consist of the description of the results obtained in 11 industrial companies from the automotive components industry. In each of the companies, we have followed up different interventions over a 9-12 month period. We shall present the initial situation; the activities carried out by the company and the evolution of the manufacturing performance approximately three months after the activities are ?nished. This will enable us to draw favourable conclusions on these interventions and we shall discuss the degree of congruence with previous research on the subject. Keywords: Human resources, Productivity and competitiveness, continuous improvement.