Lean Productivity Systems Don Cole

About Don Cole
Leadership Kaizen Specialist

TPS Advisor

Recently retired from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Don joined T.M.M.C. at it's inception as a shop floor Team Leader, in the weld shop. After a month of intense training in Japan, Don became actively involved in process set-up, and training new Team Members for the launch of the 1st Corolla. It was at this point, Don, on behalf of the Team Members, was asked by the President to do the line-off speech for the 1st Corolla built in Canada. Certainly, this is an experience of a lifetime.

From here, Don was asked to join the Kaizen Support Group where they supported all areas requiring improvement and Kaizen. Training others was a major part of Don's role at this point as well.

Don was then promoted to Group Leader, which led to him being selected for the Pilot Team for the new Engine Assembly Plant. This included many additional trips to Japan. Don worked closely with Senior Japanese Coordinators, and Senior T.M.M.C. management to develop the benchmark for engine assembly lines in North America. Don also led the project to support a successful launch of the Toyota West Virginia engine assembly plant.

At this point, Don was promoted to Assembly Assistant Manager, responsible for Assembly Production, and also Special Projects Support Group, with the focus being the development of Team Leaders for promotion to the next level - Group Leader role.

This remained Don's role, until he decided to retire in February 2006.

Since February 2006 Don has supported clients in the various aspects of TPS as well as assisting with hiring for the new plant in Woodstock, Ontario, using the "Targeted Selection" process to maintain hiring Standards.