Edward R. Welch

Edward Welch retired from a distinguished 26-year career at Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America where he focused on Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality.  Respected for his deep expertise, Ed maintains strong relationships with members of Toyota North America/NA and Toyota Japan at all levels.  While at Toyota, Ed led numerous:

North American Maintenance Best Practice Initiatives for:

• 9 Vehicle Assembly Plants;
• 3 Powertrain Machining and Assembly Plants; and,
• 4 Casting Plants.

and Self-Reliance Initiatives included:

• Maintenance Member Skill Development;
• Equipment Reliability using RCM Process; and,
• Engineering Concepts to improve efficiency applying proactive & predictive methodology.

Ed was the TPM Lead for Maintenance Member Skill Development; Production Member TPM training; and, spare parts management process. He set standards for TPM, Bronze, Silver and Gold Level, and he co-authored TPM Global Standard with TMC Japan Maintenance Leaders.

During his career, Ed managed Maintenance, Tool & Die, Engineering, Quality, & New Model Pilot Operations; Powertrain Machining & Engine Axle Assembly; Body Operations; Stamping; and, Weld.  In addition, he managed Project Design & Construction for Toyota North American Expansion with numerous new plants in the US and Mexico, applying TPS principles to design and construction.

He became a True Lean Instructor and Coach in 2013.