NC State Industry Extension Services

06/29/2026

Tools and processes are important—but sustainable improvement starts with people.
Organizations that consistently outperform their competitors develop teams that think scientifically, embrace experimentation, and learn from every challenge.
The Toyota Kata Overview: Problem Solving Through the Pit Crew Experience introduces proven methods used by leading organizations worldwide to develop problem-solvers at every level.
Participants will gain practical experience with:
🔹 Improvement Kata
🔹 Coaching Kata
🔹 Team-based problem solving
🔹 Performance analysis
🔹 Continuous improvement cycles
If you're responsible for developing leaders, improving operations, or driving organizational change, this program is for you.
📅 September 9, 2026
Contact your IES Regional Manager to reserve your spot today - https//ies.ncsu.edu/regional-managers/
Learn more:
https://ies.ncsu.edu/event/toyota-kata-overview-problem-solving-through-the-pit-crew-experience/

06/25/2026

Ready to move beyond understanding CMMC and start building your compliance plan?
This session breaks down the early stages of implementation, including environment scoping, required policies, procedures, and documentation needed before conducting a CMMC self-assessment. You'll gain practical guidance on how to organize your efforts and avoid common pitfalls.
For many manufacturers, knowing where to begin is the hardest part. This webinar will help you take the first steps with confidence.
📅 July 9, 2026 | 12–1 p.m.
💻 Free Virtual Webinar
🔗 Register: https://ncstateies.com/GetStarted

06/25/2026

🏆 What if your organization could receive expert feedback that helps you uncover new opportunities for growth and improvement?
That's one of the biggest benefits of participating in the North Carolina Awards for Excellence (NCAfE) program.
Using the proven Baldrige Excellence Framework, organizations receive a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership, strategy, workforce, operations, and results. Participants gain valuable insights that can help strengthen performance, improve customer satisfaction, and drive long-term success.
The 2026 application period is open through July 1.
Learn more: https://ies.ncsu.edu/ncafe/

06/12/2026

In NASCAR, winning comes down to precision, teamwork, communication, and making continuous improvements under intense pressure. The same principles drive success in manufacturing.
At the Toyota Kata Overview: Problem Solving Through the Pit Crew Experience, participants take part in an interactive pit crew simulation that brings Lean principles to life and shows how incremental improvements can dramatically improve performance.
What you'll learn:
✔ The fundamentals of Improvement Kata
✔ Coaching Kata methods for developing people and teams
✔ Practical, experiment-based problem-solving techniques
✔ Strategies for building a culture of continuous improvement
This hands-on experience transforms Lean concepts into real-world action—making learning engaging, memorable, and immediately applicable.
📅 September 9, 2026
📍 PIT Facility in NASCAR Country
Contact your IES Regional Manager to reserve your spot today - https//ies.ncsu.edu/regional-managers/
Discover how the same continuous improvement mindset that powers championship pit crews can help your organization achieve faster, more consistent results.
Learn more:
https://ies.ncsu.edu/event/toyota-kata-overview-problem-solving-through-the-pit-crew-experience/

06/02/2026

🌟 Is your organization committed to excellence?

The application period for the 2026 North Carolina Awards for Excellence (NCAfE) is now open through July 1, 2026!

Based on the nationally recognized Baldrige Excellence Framework, NCAfE recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, customer focus, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Organizations of all sizes and industries are encouraged to apply, including manufacturers, healthcare organizations, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and service providers.
More than an award, the process provides valuable feedback that can help your organization improve performance and achieve lasting results.

Learn more and apply today: https://ies.ncsu.edu/ncafe/

The North Carolina Awards for Excellence (NCAfE) We customize our services to match the client’s needs On-site Coaching: This can take various shapes (and time lengths) but works in many ways like our ISO 9001 implementation – where I would spend 1-2 days with them each month. Baldrige/NCAFE Ove...

05/22/2026

Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor our heroes.

04/03/2026

Why read about innovation when you can experience it firsthand? ⚙️
The 2026 North Carolina Manufacturing Conference is more than just a meeting—it’s a hub where the brightest minds in the industry collide. From meeting top-tier vendors to swapping strategies with fellow leaders, these two days in Winston-Salem will give you the perspective you need to lead your team forward.
Don't just hear about the future of manufacturing. Be part of it.
🗓️ April 14-15, 2026
📍 Winston-Salem, NC
🔗 Register now: mfgcon.org
The last day to register is April 7!

04/01/2026

It's time for the 2026 North Carolina Manufacturing Conference!
Join us in Winston-Salem on April 14-15 to network, learn from industry experts, and take your business to the next level. This is your chance to:
Fuel your growth
Learn actionable strategies and best practices
Improve your operations
Strengthen your performance
Ready to thrive in the manufacturing world?
Visit mfgcon.org to secure your spot!

03/27/2026

One of the best reasons to attend the North Carolina Manufacturing Conference 2026?
Learning what’s next for manufacturing.
Gain insights and practical ideas you can bring back to your organization—from continuous improvement and digital transformation to sustainability and workforce strategies.
📅 April 14–15, 2026
📍 Winston-Salem
🔗 mfgcon.org

03/24/2026

The 2026 North Carolina Manufacturing Conference is happening in just 21 days!
Strong connections build stronger manufacturing.
At the North Carolina Manufacturing Conference 2026, you’ll meet manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the state—all in one place.
🤝 Expand your professional network
🏭 Connect with North Carolina manufacturers
💡 Discover new opportunities and partnerships
Join us April 14–15 in Winston-Salem.
🔗 Learn more and register: mfgcon.org