When we think of global industrial giants, Toyota stands tall — a symbol of innovation, efficiency, and the philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. But what if we told you that part of Toyota’s story begins not in Japan but in the heart of Greater Manchester — in Oldham? 

A Town Built on Innovation 

Oldham’s industrial legacy is woven into the fabric of British history. In the early 20th century, it was a global leader in textile manufacturing, exporting cotton and textile machinery to markets around the world. The town’s mills and factories were powered by ingenuity, engineering excellence, and a relentless drive to improve — values that would resonate far beyond the UK. 

It was during this era that a young Japanese engineer, the son of a textile manufacturer, was sent to Oldham. His mission? To study the advanced textile machinery that powered the town’s booming industry. What he discovered in Oldham would go on to influence not just his family’s business but the future of Japanese manufacturing. 

The Toyota Connection 

That young engineer was Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of what would eventually become the Toyota Motor Corporation. Inspired by the precision and efficiency of Oldham’s textile machines, Toyoda returned to Japan with a vision. He developed the Toyoda Automatic Loom, a revolutionary invention that laid the financial and philosophical foundation for Toyota’s entry into the automotive industry. 

But it wasn’t just the machinery that left an impression. Toyoda was deeply influenced by the mindset he encountered in Oldham — a culture of precision, pride in craftsmanship, and a quiet but constant drive to do things better. This ethos resonated with him and would later evolve into what is now known as Kaizen. 

Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning “continuous improvement,” is more than just a business strategy — it’s a philosophy. At its core, Kaizen is about making continuous, incremental improvements in processes, products, and practices. It empowers every employee, from the factory floor to the boardroom, to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements. Rather than relying on sweeping changes or top-down directives, Kaizen thrives on small, consistent steps that lead to long-term excellence. 

This approach became a cornerstone of Toyota’s manufacturing system, helping to transform the company into a global leader in quality, efficiency, and innovation. And it all traces back, in part, to the inspiration drawn from Oldham’s industrial ingenuity.