Norbert Majerus readily admits that English is not his first language.
The longtime Goodyear engineer — he’s been at the Akron tire maker since 1979 — was born in Luxembourg. He grew up speaking Luxembourgesh, then learned German, French and finally English.
Majerus also admits he got low grades for communication in annual work reviews.
So naturally, he wrote a book, in English, explaining how Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is transforming itself using processes he helped pioneer at the company. And it’s getting really good reviews.
“First of all, I think we have a great story. I think we have a very unique story,” Majerus said. “I think we have a great story that is worth sharing.”
Share he does. Majerus’ book, Lean-Driven Innovation: Powering Product Development at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., explains how he and others in 2005 began applying so-called lean processes at the company’s innovation centers. The 463-page book was just recently published.
Lean is a business management system and philosophy that, to simplify things, eliminates waste and continually improves work and processes. Japan car giant Toyota generally gets credited with creating and refining the concept, which earned the nickname the Toyota Way.
And while the lean system is typically associated with a factory floor, Majerus and Goodyear did something different by applying it to research and development.
Majerus wrote that by adopting lean, the nascent Goodyear Way:
• Cut tire development time by 70 percent.
• Cut warranty costs.
• Increased on-time delivery from 30 percent to 98 percent.
• Made other improvements.
And all without increasing the company budget.
For the rest of the story, go here.