An article about the upcoming San Antonio plant emphasizes the environmentally friendly aspects of lean manufacturing.
“‘We seek to eliminate waste in everything we do,' said Toyota spokesman Mike Goss. ‘Whether it's trash or an extra motion in the process of building a product. It applies to everyone and everything we do.'”
By keeping suppliers physically close, Toyota not only ensures a simplified, shortened supply chain, but reduced emissions because suppliers can use electric vehicles to move parts. It's no coincidence that use of electric or hybrid vehicles for manufacturing only strengthens Toyota's position in the growing consumer market for hybrids, like the Prius.
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That was a good article, Mark. Being lean – less wasteful – itself is a step towards becoming environment-friendly because you are wasting less resources. But, now Toyota has taken it even further!