Quality Circle Teams Take the Stage at 2018 NAQCC
In September, 23 Quality Circle teams* crossed state and country lines to gather in the “windy city” of Chicago for the 2018 North America Quality Circle Competition (NAQCC).
After several months of research, problem solving, testing and troubleshooting, teams showed off their unique kaizen ideas and personalities through eye-catching, dynamic presentations.
The trip wasn’t all work. Every NAQCC event incorporates an associate engagement activity, such as just-for-fun team building activities or community service activities to help break the ice and get teams talking, laughing and energized. This year featured “minute to win it” games on the first night. Teams also assembled, in a strategic competition, more than 500 First-Aid emergency supply kits for the American Red Cross, one of DENSO’s long-time community partners.
Shout-out to the teams
Quality Circle teams are the energy and drive behind DENSO’s “quality first” and kaizen mindset. They play a huge role in pushing our company to continuously improve and reach new heights. Thank you to this year’s teams for leading the way!
| DENSO BROS, NAPIC
THE LAB MONKEYS, DMAT *Effort Circle Award Winner PLASTILINA, DNMX *Judges’ Circle Award Winner TOO COLD TO FLOW, DMMI GAMECHANGERS, KDMK STATOR TEAM, HDMX GUARDIANS OF THE SOLDER BLOCK, DMTN THE TRAINABLES, ANC LOS HIJOS DE BONICE, DNMX *Productivity Circle Award Winner MILLERSAPS AND FRIENDS, DMTN ACME KAIZEN COMPANY, DMAT THE INNOVATORS, DMCN |
SEPARATE WAYS, DMMI
STRAIGHT OUTTA LONG BEACH, DPAM POWDER BE GONE, GNC HYBRIDOS, DNMX *Benchmark Circle Award Winner FOR THOSE ABOUT TO WALK, DMAR T-N-T: TODAY NOT TOMORROW, DMAT *Safety/Environment Circle Award Winner LOS IMPLACABLES DE LA CALIDAD, DNMX *Quality Circle Award Winner LEAN MACHINE, DPAM EMOJI TEAM, ASMX CAN’T CUT THIS, DMMI SIX PACK, DMTN *President’s Circle Award Winner* |
Representing North America
Congratulations to Team Hybridos from DENSO Mexico, and Team Six Pack from DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, awarded with the top two highest honors at this year’s regional competition. These teams will represent North America in the global competition in Japan in November!
Below is a sneak peek of all the fun at the 2018 NAQCC. Stay tuned for more stories and videos coming soon!
*What’s a Quality Circle?
At DENSO, we seek continual innovation in manufacturing to ensure consistent high-quality products, safe working environments and reduced environmental impact. That’s why Quality Circle or kaizen teams are an important part of our daily working lives. Quality Circle teams consist of a group of associates, working together to identify, analyze and solve work-related problems.
The first North American Quality Circle team was established in 1987 at DENSO Manufacturing Michigan Inc. Today, we have thousands of Quality Circle teams across the globe, helping DENSO reduce costs, increase quality, efficiency and safety, and preserving and protecting the environment.
Quality Circles also provide a hands-on learning experience for associates to develop many skills, including team building, leadership, organizational, computer knowledge, public speaking, and problem-solving. Plus, teams have the opportunity to travel and show-off their creative kaizen solutions.
Tags: Manufacturing
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