Location
Modern approaches to assess systems and organizational culture in support of continuous improvement.
In this panel discussion you will hear from industry leaders.
Current state
- Where companies are in evaluating their systems and organizational culture
- Alignment of evaluation processes and continuous improvement goals
Challenges
- Pain points and obstacles in measuring cultural alignment with lean/continuous improvement initiatives
- Assessment tools that work
- Balancing evaluating compliance and fostering innovation
Solutions and best practices
- Trends or technology that works
AME Mexico region board of directors
AME’s regional boards are made up of dedicated and passionate volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to help local companies improve their competitiveness and overall success through shared learning and access to best practices.
Michael Bremer is an author, semi-retired from business since 2018. He has collected a variety of experiences over the years, including holding the positions of director of productivity improvement and director of information systems for Beatrice Foods. He is a past chief financial officer and Board member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). He was also president of the Cumberland Group, a global consulting company in Chicago, for 28 years. Bremer served as adjunct faculty for the University of Chicago’s Graham School for a 15-year period and as a senior mentor at a new business start-up incubator focused on manufacturing (mHub Chicago). Bremer currently leads AME’s Excellence Award activities.
Ruben Rodriguez, Continuous Improvement Manager, LIttelfuse, Mexico. Ruben has been with Littelfuse for the last 18 years starting as a process engineer. Ruben has held multiple positions including industrial engineer, production manager, lean manager progressively increasing in responsibilities and now Ruben manages the enterprise lean Six Sigma team for the Littelfuse’s Mexico region sites. In his current role, he is deploying leader standard work and improving the collaboration between the different lean leaders. Through this efforts, the region have achieved steady progress and results.
Jorge Falcon. Operations Manager, Crown Equipment, Mexico. Jorge Falcón leads the Operational Excellence transformation at Crown Mexico's three plants. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in operational excellence, from whom he has learned and implemented world-class practices. His main motivation is to create meaningful work environments where people can develop their potential, continuously improve their processes and build their own well-being.
Moderator
Javier Zarazua, Business Partner, JL Nearshoring Mexico, LLC. Strategic and results-oriented executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, business transformation across the automotive, heavy machinery, retail and remanufacturing sectors. Recognized for delivering operational turnarounds, cost savings, and scalable growth through nearshoring, ERP standardization and cross-functional leadership.
Proven track record in launching and scaling businesses, managing global teams and executing complex projects in Mexico and the United States. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, APICS CSCP, Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish with deep expertise in supply chain resilience, sourcing strategies and operational excellence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
9 a.m. Welcome and introductions
9:20 a.m. Panel discussion and questions
10:05 a.m. Questions from audience
10:25 a.m. Wrap-up
10:30 a.m. Adjourn
- Understanding current state
- Challenges within the industry
- Best practices of cultural systems
Anyone who is experiencing cultural issues when implementing continuous improvement systems.
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