Business & Society

Bell Receives International Recognition for Operational Excellence at Chihuahua Facility

LOGAN, Utah — The Shingo Institute, a program in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, has awarded Bell’s integrated operations in Chihuahua, México, the Shingo Silver Medallion for operational excellence.

“Receipt of the Shingo Silver Medallion signifies not only an organization’s mastery of tools and techniques, but also that it has developed mature systems for improving an organization's operations,” said Ken Snyder, executive director at the Shingo Institute.

Bell’s facility located in Chihuahua, México, manufacturers Bell helicopter cabins, subassemblies, and electrical harnesses for commercial models, including the Bell 429, Bell 407, Bell 412 and Bell 505.

For over 85 years Bell has reinvented the experience of flying and where it can take us. Bell was the first company to break the sound barrier and the first ones to certify a commercial helicopter. Bell was part of NASA's first mission to the moon, and they introduced advanced tiltrotor systems into the market. Since its inception, Bell has been at the forefront of development and innovation exploring new technologies for both commercial and military application.

“My career path at Bell has allowed me to develop in several roles,” said Armandina Alarcón, human resources manager. “I started as an executive assistant, later was promoted as a system specialist, and a human resources supervisor afterwards. Thanks to Bell Mexico’s opportunities, I have been able to develop not only professionally, but personally. I’m very proud to be part of this company.”

Bell’s foundation is their high-performance culture based on the belief that the results of the organization are achieved through teamwork with well-defined roles for improvement, innovation, analysis and continuous improvement of processes to deliver products and services of excellence.

César Rodríguez, production leader, stated: “We gather each month to review which metric is causing the most impact in our area. Our growth, innovation, analysis, and continuous development are key to generate positive impact in our organization’s goals through our common value of lifting each other up. We’re always thinking beyond our positions and areas.”

By “challenging” or applying for Shingo recognition, organizations invite a group of accomplished professionals and trained examiners to thoroughly review the organization’s culture and operations. The examiners evaluate the challengers based on a rigorous set of standards and the Shingo Institute awards the organizations according to their assessment results.

The Bell site in Chihuahua, México, will be recognized during the Awards Gala at the 35th Annual Shingo Conference on May 23, in Provo, Utah, USA. The conference is a five-day event featuring a selection of workshops, site tours, keynote speakers, and breakout sessions designed to provide ongoing knowledge, insights, and experience for organizations in their pursuit of operational excellence. You can learn more by visiting https://shingo.org/events/.

About the Shingo Institute

The Shingo Institute is home of the Shingo Prize, an award that recognizes organizations that demonstrate an exceptional culture that fosters continuous improvement. A program in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, the Shingo Institute is named after Japanese industrial engineer and Toyota adviser, Shigeo Shingo. Dr. Shingo distinguished himself as one of the world’s thought leaders in concepts, management systems, and improvement techniques that have become known as the Toyota Production System.

Drawing from Dr. Shingo’s teachings and years of experience working with organizations worldwide, the Shingo Institute developed the Shingo Model, which is the basis for its several educational offerings, including workshops, webinars, podcasts, study tours, and conferences. Workshops are available in multiple languages through the Institute’s licensed affiliates. For more information on workshops and affiliates, or to register to attend the Annual Shingo Conference, please visit www.shingo.org.


CONTACT

Mary Price
Events and Marketing Manager
Shingo Institute
435.760.0711
mary.price@usu.edu


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