This quarter has been a major step in building a national infrastructure in India for TPM. Adding to a resource of more than 450 TPM Instructors, a programme for TPM facilitators held for the first time in India added a further number of 33 facilitators. It is our privilege to thank JIPM and particularly Mr. Yamaguchi in taking this initiative. During this quarter, Telco and MRF have kicked off TPM with a big boom. Earlier Hindustan Zinc and Asian Paints had their TPM kick-offs. Bajaj Auto invited Yamaguchisan to launch their latest model of motorcycles! Our cricketers and bollywood stars had better watch out. TPM gurus are in!

Our challenge is 8% growth that can come only from phenomenal breakthroughs in our productivity! TPM is one necessary means to achieve this. Many companies are following this journey but many more need to join in! Suppliers and customers are two entities to whom we can all talk to!

As we cross over the half year mark, round the corner we have the Kaizen conferences(two this year) with a quick reminder to send in your best Kaizens for the competition. There are two opportunities for your Kaizens to compete in. August and September is also time for studying award winning companies from last year. Make sure that you bring the best practices to your own companies through this option.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the Kaizen conference and an equally encouraging response to the Plant Visits.