Research Contributors – MEXICO.

BMW Lerma Motors – Lerma  Edo. De Mexico, Mexico.

 

 

 

Excellent facility where we found motorcycle sales/service, Touratech products (the only one distributor in Mexico) and production of luxury BMW armoured vehicles.

 

 

Research Contributors – MEXICO

 Monty Industries – Motul, Yucatan, Mexico.

A global leader in denim manufacturing, Monty has facilities in Mexico, Japan and China. At Monty, every 12 seconds a pair of jeans is produced.




Plasticos BEDA S.A. de C.V. – Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Privately owned this facility has been operating since 1984 and staffs over 150 people. Servicing the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize, the company competes on price and delivery time producing plastics bags.



Plasticos Industriales del Sureste S.A. de C.V. – Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

A manufacturer of plastic bottles and Snorkels for the main tourist region of Mexico, Cancun. They compete on price and service to their customer in supporting the many water activities in the region.



Industrias Biodegradables del Sureste S.A. de C.V. – Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico.

One of the companies that helped out during the British Petroleum disaster in the Gulf; this company supplies oil clean up technologies and other chemicals and products for various processes.

Research Contributors – CUBA.

 

Alba Confecciones– Viñales, Pinal del Río, Cuba.

A Cuban government clothing manufacturer focussed on denim apparel for non market domestic use. This was not a formal visit but we managed to ask the same questions anyways. The company has been producing apparel products since 1984 and is the leader in their region for productivity. I should mention that daily output is measured by how many employees feel like working that day.

Research Contributors – PERU Y ARGENTINA.

No name Company (for Privacy reasons)– Lima, Lima, Peru.

 

Bodega Sanchez-Salomon– Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.

A family run winery for 100 years. This producer has internationally recognized wines; some of the wines they produce are: Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet and Tempranillo.

The operation is as sophisticated and fascinating as the wines…

Research Contributors – COLOMBIA.

Mastechno – Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia.

http://mastechno.com/
A privately owned company, the designer, professional rally racer and owner produces an exceptional set of panniers and other motorcycle accessories for a wide range of motorcycles.




Macrocentro – Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia.

http://macrocentro.net/
Privately owned by AUTECO, this company sets the pace for after sales motorcycle service with the single shop we visited servicing over 2400 motorbikes per month. High technology with software research and development, the company is posed to improve a wide range of services available to motorcycle shops.

Research Contributors – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

Tropical Greens – Sarapiqui, Heredia, Costa Rica.

 

Family owned agricultural business catering to European markets, this Grower focuses on quality and service in its products and excels at communicating with its customers.

Products have long production lead times, short obsolescence and special packaging and transport needs. This creates a challenging environment. The community benefits from a high level of labour requirements and direct export of products.


Pascual – Panama City, Panama, Panama.
http://www.pascual.com.pa/

A multifaceted company with International exports produces many popular brands of cookies, crackers, candies and snacks including nutritional foods for school children. A mix of technology and craftsmanship with a focus on quality and design allows this company to be a leader in the industry. This was one of our most enjoyable tours to date.

Research Contributors – EL SALVADOR.

PROBALSAMO – Chiltiupan, La Libertad, El Salvador.

This process was set up by an NGO to help facilitate self employment in the small community. Despite the rustic simplicity and very low technology in the collection and processing of the Balsam the operation yields a high quality product. The primary market is domestic but Balsam is exported as a raw material for further processing in various goods like salves and shampoos.
www.probalsamo.com

Research Contributors – Veracruz, MEXICO.

Toks-owned by Grupo GIGANTE – Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico.

With over 100 restaurants across Mexico this successful chain blends innovative Mexican cuisine with the familiarity and consistency of a reputable restaurant. A kitchen has one of the hardest and fast paced production and assembly jobs around and the level of operational complexity is certainly in no shortage. With every imaginable inventory challenge, short product life cycles, quality and the craftsmanship level of skill required by the staff, the restaurant is just ‘ripe’ for operational improvements.
http://www.grupogigante.com.mx


Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma-owned by FEMSA – Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.

“The best Brewery in the World” as the slogan goes. Now owned by Heineken this brewery is one of the most advanced in the world. While brewing is an ancient process the level of technology in the facility is staggering. Advanced levels of operational excellence are present everywhere and so are the challenges. With many production lines, products and large scale capacity this facility is a great place to visit and have a taste test at their fantastic bar.
http://www.femsa.com

Research Contributors – Guanajuato & Veracruz, MEXICO.

Azulejos Talavera Cortes – Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico.

This 29 year family owned business is set in the heart of Mexico and produces tiles and other ceramics at a very high level of craftsmanship. With a 25 year warranty marked on every piece these products are sought after internationally. The artwork is all produced by hand in the traditional fashion and a great deal of flexibility in design is available through their team of professionals on sight.
http://www.talaveracortes.com.mx/



Panaderia La Fama – Coscomatepec, Veracruz, Mexico.

This family owned business has been operating for the last 85 years and still hold many of its original values and baking traditions. The products are always fresh and compete on quality, in fact we’ve found it difficult to find better. La Fama has been recognized as one of the traditional bakeries in the state of Veracruz as documented by known photographer Susana Casarin in her book “Humo de Leña”.




Productos Agricolas Pesa S.P.R. de R.L. & Grupo Agro-Hidroponia de Ixhuatlan S.C. de R.L. – Ixhuatlan del Cafe, Veracruz, Mexico.

Coffee and hot house tomatoe plantation, roughly 30,000 plants at about 1000 metres of elevation produces a fine Arabica coffee primarily for local consumption. The production process is as complicated as any agricultural product with a 9 month cycle and it also contends with a very dynamic trading market being the second most traded commodity on the planet.

Proyecciones Artesanales de Coscomatepec S.A. de C.V. Proarte – Coscomatepec, Veracruz, Mexico.

For 35 years this leather shop has produced hand made products for cowboys, equestrian use and daily use. All products are craft and of a high quality.

http://www.talabarteria-proarte.com.mx/

 

Samy Productos Finos de Café M.R. – Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico.

A producer of coffee flavoured candies, cookies and liquors. This family owned business has been operating for about 10 years and is named after the youngest daughter. The business operates a store front café and produces and distributes for a domestic market. Quality and Service are high on the list as competitive competencies.

 

Instituto Tecnico Internacional de Belleza – Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico.

This government recognized College of Beauticians has been operating for over 27 years and offers a highly technical and exhaustive 2 year program. The product has some unique production features I haven’t seen at other schools and focuses on quality to compete in a demanding market.

http://www.itibcordoba.com.mx/

Research Contributors – Sonora & Sinaloa, MEXICO.

Queso Las Granjas (Farms of Cheese) -Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

A family owned business, over 20 years supplying the local market with fresh quality cheeses. A compact and functional operation, the business relies on its reputation for service and quality. Customers can show up at the shop or have fresh cheeses delivered right to their door ready for the morning quesadillas.


Pettibon System Inc. - Gig Harbor, Washington, USA via Mazatlan, Mexico.

Medical equipment, training and services supported by 40 years of work have resulted in high levels of innovation, research and advancements to the medical practice. Mr. Pettibon is a pioneer in his field and contributes regularly to research and development of life improving products with a holistic approach. www.pettibonsystem.com


Los Osuna (Destilado de Agave “Tequila”) - La Noria, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Technically “Tequila” can only come from the state of Jalisco and so we call everything else “Distilled Agave”. The tequila manufacturer has been producing a quality product for over 100 years and in 2009 won World Awards for three of its product lines. Sampling both the blue agave cooked and as a finished product is a remarkable experience and the suave texture of this sipping drink explains its award status well. This company is well placed to start expanding into international markets where the demand for quality and product design are key. http://www.lososuna.com.mx/

Grupo Modelo (Pacifico National Brewer) - Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

This brewery was started in the early 1900 by German immigrants and is now a major producer of the Pacifico brand of beer. A light, high quality beer meeting all ISO 9001/14001 standards makes this plant very attractive and advanced in its manufacturing processes. The Beer Master (Maestro Cervecero) explained some of the lean techniques being employed as would be expected of an organization of this calibre. http://www.grupomodelo.com.mx/






Looney Bean (Not-For-Profit) - Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

A young company started with the intent to help others is currently undergoing lean concepts and business improvements. This is a fresh roasted café using fair trade, domestic coffee beans with a focus on the customer experience and product design.

Research Contributors - USA

ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company) - Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

A family owned business focussed on the golden rule, employs almost 2000 people. A tour of the facility shows a lot of potential and a good team of managers and employees sharing a common interest. One of four pipe manufacturers in the country, ACIPCO is a leader in supplying large pipe and a complete package of products for many municipalities working on large scale infrastructure projects.





Motus Motorcycles - Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Nearly complete this impressive American made sport touring machine will be on the market soon. The dynamic team of developers has got a real shot at making Americas first real sport tour bike. Transitioning from design to manufacturing will be an important effort that these good folks will handle well. Good luck team Motus, I look forward to riding one of your machines!

Research Contributors -Canada

Grover Communications – Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

A family run business specializing in communication equipment sales installation and service. Serving police, fire and primary industry for many years.

Plan B – Smithers, British Columbia, Canada.

A two man operation creating Craft beers for the local market. Not Plan A, but I have to admit Plan B makes a lot of sense and has a great taste. Thanks Guys!





Mat-Su Air Service – Willow, Alaska, USA.

Repair and maintenance of small air craft. Special thanks to Mark for helping us out when the BMW Dealer in Anchorage wouldn’t. Mark, I’ve been dragging that side stand around for several thousand miles now and grateful for every spark, thanks again!

Camelot Vineyards – Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

A family owned and award winning winery in the hills of Kelowna. I recommend the Riesling or any of other their wines, to your taste, even though I prefer reds.

Robert and Denise, we put that Pinot Noir to good use, thanks so much.



Saskatoon Farm – Dewinton, Alberta, Canada.

Agrotourism at it’s best, this lovely family owned farm boasts over 600 acres of area with a restaurant, baked goods and shop, art and collectables as well as a great selection of trees, plants and animals. It’s open winter and summer and is a great place to go for lunch or take the kids to ride “Champ”



CostaCana Import inc. – Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

Privately owned importer of premium Costa Rican coffee. This company supports the local communities in San Vito with some impressive projects and markets their coffee to fund raising groups working on special events and projects. They have retail locations but primarily work from their distribution centre in central Canada.


Abydoz Environmental Inc. - Glenwood, Newfoundland Island, Canada.

A sizable Canadian company with over 600 installations of its environmentally friendly waste water treatment system. The systems specific design is used world wide and represents an efficient and cost effective solution to waste water treatment.




Archie’s Welding Inc. - New Minas, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Archie’s shop satisfies many public customers as well as the private sector, jobs can range from small to large with solution based product design and flexible service. The focus here is on the customer and an outstanding reputation built over 30 years.







Munchie Master Vending - Stilesville, New Brunswick, Canada.

Privately owned and operated vending company displaying the true qualities of an entrepreneurial business. This company is focussing on quality service and delivery performance.









Ormac Industrial Supplies Inc. - Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada.

A privately owned business offering: repair, sales, installation and service of industrial equipment. The company operates within North America and has an impressive inventory of equipment ranging from heavy equipment greasers to conveying systems.
Ormac’s service focuses on hard to find products for the mining and mill work industries.

Custom Building Products

Business Name: Custom Building Products
City / Province or State / Country: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Company's Product / Service: Tile Finishing Products
Years in Business: 30+
Public / Private: Private
Facility Type: Manufacturing, Distribution

Custom Building Products is a producer of premium tile finishing products for residencial and commercial use. With an expansive network of plants throughout North America CBP is a leader in its industry worldwide.

Mustang Survival

Where: Richmond,British Columbia, Canada
Host: APICS; Craig Fisher V.P. Supply Chain
Product: Personal Flotation Devices, Manufacturing
Years in Business :40+ ; Private Company
Number of employees : 200+
Mustang survival was started over 40 years ago with the development of the first floater coat. Their motto is: “We save lives for a living” and they have achieved recognition in the nautical world as a key developer and manufacturer of life saving personal flotation devices. Due to the nature of the products a high degree of engineering and regulation exist. As can be imagined quality is a primary concern as even one failure could result in a death.

BMW Manufacturing

August 2009, Spartanburg, South Carolina

BMW Manufacturing, BMW Driving Performance Center
Products: X5, X6, M3

BMW Manufacturing is an advanced global manufaturer producing premium vehicle product.
-The facility employs over 4500 workers and runs two 10 hour shifts 4 days a week and use the Friday shift to handle variation in demand, production issues and various other things.
-The facility sits on over 1100 acres and the building is about 2.8 million square feet.