1986
First WCM Experience in US: General Electric, Kawasaki
“World Class Manufacturing: The Lessons of Simplicity Applied” (Schonberger)
1991
Realization of a 40% gap in productivity between Japan and Europe/America
“The Machine That Changed the World” (Womack, Jones, Roos)
1992
Kaizen concept begins to spread to Western economies
“Lean Thinking” (Womack, Jones)
2005
Turnaround at Fiat
Fiat overcomes crisis and establishes WCM as industrial model
2006
Two pilot plants achieve first results: Tychy (PL) and Melfi (IT)
WCM Association is established
2007
WCM extended to all FGA, FPT, Magneti Marelli, CNH and Iveco plants
2008
Establishment of WCM Academy
2009
Chrysler adopts WCM
2010
WCM program extended to suppliers
2010
Comau and Teksid adopt WCM
2012
First Gold Award (Bielsko-Biała Engine Plant)
2015
First WCL Bronze Award for Mopar (Volvera Plant)
2015
First WCE Bronze Award for Magneti Marelli (Tolmezzo Plant)
2015
First Bronze Award for a supplier
2016
Special Award OEM: Smart Digital Operations FCA, Melfi Plant
2017
First Gold Award for CNHi (Madrid Plant)
2017
Verrone Plant wins the prestigious “Lean & Green Management Award”
2018
Verrone Plant achieves the Score 5 for Environment Pillar
2019
Bielsko Biala Engine Plant wins the prestigious "Lean & Green Management Award"
2020
Special Silver Award for EMEA Product Development Prototypes