Innovation and operational excellence are at the core of Vinventions’ strategy. For over a decade, the company has been committed to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at transforming its production sites, particularly the Thimister site in Belgium, into true showcases of industrial performance. Here’s a look back at the key milestones in this journey.

2009–2018: Lean/6 Sigma – The Foundations of Operational Excellence

In 2009, Vinventions laid the groundwork for its Lean/6 Sigma program, a management philosophy derived from the Toyota Production System aimed at eliminating waste across the production chain. The implementation of a wide range of methods and tools has significantly transformed the company:

• Continuous productivity improvement: increased production yields and a significant reduction in production scrap. Tool changeover times were cut by a factor of six.
• Reorganization of production operations: elimination of intermediate stocks and unnecessary transport through the creation of production cells.
• Transition to a pull flow system (Kanban): similar to a supermarket replenishment system, production planning now reproduces only what has been consumed by customers. This dynamic alignment of production with demand has minimized stock levels.
• Simplification of the supply chain: coupled with the pull flow system, the elimination of non-value-added steps reduced delivery lead times from 25 to 5 days.
• Establishment of a culture of continuous improvement: each department has clearly defined its mission and performance indicators, fostering a dynamic of continuous progress across the entire organization.

2016: Vinventions Enters the Industry 4.0 Era

Building on its robust Lean foundations, the Thimister site was selected to lead Vinventions’ transition to Industry 4.0. This strategic program is structured around four key pillars:

• Data collection and predictive maintenance: installation of connected sensors to monitor and anticipate equipment failures, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
• OCEAN Data: a platform enabling real-time access, exchange, and analysis of production data.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): structuring data for optimal use and informed decision-making.
• Automation: reducing repetitive tasks through advanced technological tools, freeing up time for higher-value missions.

2018: Launch of the World Closure Manufacturing (WCM) Program

In 2018, Vinventions took a major step forward with the launch of its own World Closure Manufacturing (WCM) program, inspired by best industrial practices, with the ambition of becoming a European benchmark by 2030.

Several new components were added to the initial operational excellence model:

• A safety pillar, aiming for sustained “zero accidents.”
• A quality program, striving for “zero defects.”
• Three pillars (autonomous maintenance, professional maintenance, and staff development) focused on achieving “zero breakdowns” for equipment.

The Thimister site achieved the Bronze award in 2021, with the Silver award anticipated by June 2025. Other Vinventions sites, including San Juan in Argentina, have also adopted this program, with further recognitions expected in the near future.

2022: “Factory of the Future” Label for the Thimister Site

Thanks to the activities described above, along with a participative management approach centered on people and eco-responsible values, Vinventions’ Belgian site earned the prestigious Factory of the Future label in 2022. This Belgian program recognizes companies that have successfully completed their digital and sustainable transformation across seven key areas, including:

• Advanced manufacturing technologies,
• Digital transformation of processes,
• Integration of eco-responsible practices,
• Human-centered organization.

To date, only 17 sites in the French-speaking region, including major players like L’Oréal and GSK, hold this label. Thimister is now aiming for relabeling in 2025.

Through the dedication of its teams and technological innovation, Vinventions remains committed to sustaining this momentum and contributing to a more sustainable future for its employees, customers, and the planet.