Our History

Bringing Lean Manufacturing principles to the West

Productivity Inc. was founded in the United States in 1979 by Norman Bodek, marking the beginning of a pioneering journey in bringing Lean Manufacturing principles to the Western world. During his early years, Bodek organized a series of study missions to Japanese companies, where he connected with the originators of what we now know as Lean tools. This led to acquiring rights to translate their foundational books—originally published in Japanese—into English and other languages, giving rise to Productivity Press. To date, the press has published hundreds of titles focused on organizational productivity improvement.

Development of methodologies for implementing Toyota Production System principles in the West

Recognizing the cultural differences between Japan and the West, Bodek adapted these methodologies into clear, implementable seminars. This innovation positioned Productivity Inc. as the first consulting and training firm outside Japan to offer widely tested continuous improvement technologies, including Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Over four decades, the company developed the first generation of consultants mentored directly by Lean pioneers such as Yoshiki Iwata, Chihiro Nakao, Shigeo Shingo, and Ryuji Fukuda, solidifying its role as a leader in applying Toyota Production System principles across industries.

New Chapter

Following the retirement of the company's founders and long-term consultants, Productivity Inc. concluded its original operations. However, to ensure uninterrupted service for existing and past clients, the partners established Productivity North America, with a new office in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to serving the US and Canadian markets. Leading this continuation is Luis Mosqueda, a 30-year veteran of Productivity who previously headed Productivity Latin America for 15 years. His global expertise strengthens our ongoing commitment to excellence.

This transition emphasizes continuity: We carry forward the same proven Lean methodologies and track record of success that defined Productivity Inc. since its inception. Our dedication to helping organizations implement effective Lean projects remains steadfast, empowering businesses to achieve operational excellence.