Improving production efficiency is becoming one of the key challenges for furniture companies today. Amid growing competition, labor shortages, pressure on production costs, and the need to operate in export markets, manufacturers increasingly need to build systematic processes and improve productivity without compromising quality.
That is why Kaizen Institute Ukraine is launching the “Kaizen Practitioner” certification program, combining the international KAIZEN™ methodology with practical training directly within a real manufacturing environment. The program will take place at the production facilities of WOWIN in Stryi — a furniture company already operating according to modern production management principles and developing its manufacturing processes in line with international standards.
The program is designed for companies that aim not only to improve individual processes locally, but to build a culture of continuous improvement throughout the entire enterprise.
The KAIZEN™ methodology is based on a long-term and systematic approach to increasing efficiency, while its tools help companies achieve both financial and organizational results.
According to Kaizen Institute Ukraine, the acquired knowledge helps businesses solve strategic manufacturing challenges: increasing productivity, improving product quality, reducing production costs, shortening lead times, and improving inventory turnover. A strong emphasis is also placed on developing internal leaders and transforming production culture.
“Every company has its own priorities and operational specifics. Our task is to help systematize different business areas and establish effective interaction and cooperation between the production floor and the team. Kaizen in business means continuous improvement — from production processes to top management, from the CEO to every employee,” said Ivan Sarvar, Managing Director of Kaizen Institute Ukraine.
The training is built around the Gemba approach — learning directly where value is created. Participants will not only study theory but also work with real manufacturing processes, implementing KAIZEN™ tools within their own companies.
The practical part of the program will take place at the WOWIN manufacturing facility in Stryi. This format allows participants to see how modern production management approaches work in the real environment of a furniture manufacturing company.
“WOWIN first became familiar with the Kaizen concept back in 2009. Even then, we started systematizing our workflows and gradually moving toward lean manufacturing principles. But if you ask me whether we have fully implemented Kaizen, my answer would be no. The essence of this concept is that it can never be implemented once and forever,” noted Volodymyr Turchyn in a comment for the Lviv Furniture Cluster.
The certification program consists of three modules, consultant support, and a final certification exam, with a total duration of 18 days.
The first module focuses on the fundamentals of KAIZEN™ and Value Stream Mapping/Design (VSM/VSD). Participants will study different types of waste, lean manufacturing principles, process mapping, and the development of a Kaizen vision.
The second module is dedicated to structured problem-solving and the “Breakthrough Kaizen” methodology. The program covers root cause analysis, the LAMDA algorithm, problem elimination tools, and the A3 reporting system.
The third module focuses on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), standardization, and the 5S system. Participants will work with topics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance systems, and SMED quick changeover methodology.
After each module, participants receive practical assignments to implement in their own companies with the support of consultants. The final stage of the program will be a project presentation demonstrating real KAIZEN™ implementation results within the company.
Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive an international KAIZEN™ Practitioner certificate from Kaizen Institute Ukraine.
The training will be held from June to August 2026 in an offline format at the WOWIN production facility in Stryi.
The program is intended for production managers, operations managers, technologists, company owners, and specialists responsible for the development of manufacturing processes.
The number of participants is limited to 10–14 people.
Members of the Lviv Furniture Cluster community are eligible for a special participation fee of €2,150.
To apply, send an email with the subject line “Kaizen Practitioner Certification Program” to: ua@kaizen.com
Please include the following information:
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