(Enna Products Corp.: Bellingham, Washington) -- Enna Products Corp. and Norman Bodek have published a new hardcover book by Shigeo Shingo, Kaizen and the Art of Creative Thinking. Along with Taiichi Ohno, Dr. Shingo codeveloped the Toyota production system (TPS). Originally written in 1958-59, this new English translation reveals how Dr. Shingo taught Toyota and other Japanese companies the art of using creative thinking to identify and solve problems.

Dr. Shingo presents six unique models, the sum of which he calls the “scientific thinking mechanism.” These frameworks allow groups to deconstruct problems and rebuild them into powerful improvement ideas. This concept is central to TPS and provides the essential foundation for a successful lean initiative “The actual scientific model behind this book is as revolutionary as Dr. Shingo’s SMED [single minute exchange of dies] system,” says Collin McLoughlin, president of Enna Products.

Enna Products has also announced the founding of an annual $25,000 sweepstakes in honor of Dr. Shigeo Shingo. “At its core, the Shingo sweepstakes is about promoting the prestigious Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as raising overall awareness of lean thinking,” says McLoughlin.

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