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

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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”