2010 News
PPG Conducts Lean Six Sigma Training for Toyota Dealerships
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – December 8, 2010 – PPG’s Business Solutions Group led the instruction of its MVP Green Belt Training for a class of 12 Toyota collision center managers in the southeast region, November 8-11. Hosted by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, the training was held at its Vehicle Processing Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Southeast Toyota is the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles.
PPG’s MVP Green Belt Training is a comprehensive 4-day program focusing on the practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles to collision repair. The curriculum is designed to provide an effective balance between teaching the proven science and principles of continuous improvement and providing practical solutions in the collision center environment, all geared to drive simultaneous improvement in cycle time, quality and cost. The course covered such topics as X-Ray Repair Planning™, process design and implementation, 5S and workplace organization, and resources a collision center can draw upon to further continuous process improvement.
“Holding the training at Southeast Toyota’s Vehicle Processing Center provided the attendees with a mix of classroom training and the ability to observe firsthand how similar principles have been implemented through the teachings of Toyota at the Vehicle Processing Center,” noted Steve Topczewski, OEM/Dealer business development manager, PPG Industries. “Since no two collision centers are exactly the same—in terms of sales volume, facility size, layout and source of work, etc.—the Green Belt curriculum takes into consideration that the current state of differing collisions centers can be quite different. The emphasis is on a real world process of moving from wherever the starting point is to an improved future state.”
“We were extremely pleased to work with PPG and bring this training to our dealers’ collision centers, of which the majority attending are ‘Toyota Certified’,” said Jon Lee, regional consultant, Southeast Toyota Distributors. “Continued support from PPG will allow participants to keep their journey of process improvement on track and moving forward. In that regard, we plan to conduct a follow-up performance meeting in the first quarter of 2011 with PPG.
PPG’s MVP Green Belt Training is recognized by I-CAR and the Automotive Management Institute. Attendees receive appropriate credits for the course.
about southeast toyota distributors, llc
Southeast Toyota is the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles. Its 173 dealers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina account for approximately 20% of Toyota sales in the United States. Southeast Toyota is a wholly owned subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
about the mvp program
When introduced over a decade ago, MVP Services was the first program of its kind in the collision repair industry. Since then, thousands of collision center owners and managers have taken advantage of MVP’s innovative services to improve the way they run their business. Green Belt Training is part of the MVP program. For more information, visit www.ppgmvp.com.
about ppg
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Founded in 1883, the company serves customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2009 were $12.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.