Bridgestone held the 16th Group Global TQM Conference. Improvement cases from locations worldwide were presented and recognized, with Hikone Plant’s refining-process innovation and a case from Izmit Plant selected for the top award.
Bridgestone held the “16th Bridgestone Group Global TQM Conference” and shared initiatives aimed at realizing “Serving Society with Superior Quality” through continuous improvement and innovation.
In 2026, more than 2,000 improvement cases were submitted from regions and operating sites worldwide, of which 12 were selected as outstanding cases. Two cases were chosen for the top award, the Grand Prix.
The first case was “Process Innovation in the Refining Process” from Hikone Plant. The team reviewed how materials were used and repeatedly tested hypotheses, achieving both quality improvements and cost reductions. Its design, which leveraged frontline expertise, enhanced the effects of reducing both implementation and operating costs.
Going forward, the initiative will be rolled out to domestic plants and then expanded to global plants, contributing to company-wide improvements in quality and costs while creating value under the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.