- 
  
   Toyota introduces the Toyota Production System (TPS), which is considered the precursor to lean manufacturing Toyota introduces the Toyota Production System (TPS), which is considered the precursor to lean manufacturing
- 
  
   Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo develop the principles and techniques of TPS at Toyota. Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo develop the principles and techniques of TPS at Toyota.
- 
  
   The book "The Machine That Changed the World" by James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones and Daniel Roos is published, popularizing the concepts of lean manufacturing in the West. The book "The Machine That Changed the World" by James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones and Daniel Roos is published, popularizing the concepts of lean manufacturing in the West.
- 
  
   The Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) is founded in the United States to promote and disseminate lean manufacturing practices. The Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) is founded in the United States to promote and disseminate lean manufacturing practices.
- 
  
   The term "Lean Manufacturing" is beginning to gain popularity in American industry. The term "Lean Manufacturing" is beginning to gain popularity in American industry.
- 
  
   The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) of the United States establishes the Lean Certification Program to certify professionals in the principles and practices of lean manufacturing. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) of the United States establishes the Lean Certification Program to certify professionals in the principles and practices of lean manufacturing.
- 
  
   The Automotive Industry Association of America (AIAG) publishes the Lean Toolkit, which provides guidelines and tools for implementing lean manufacturing practices in the automotive industry. The Automotive Industry Association of America (AIAG) publishes the Lean Toolkit, which provides guidelines and tools for implementing lean manufacturing practices in the automotive industry.
- 
  
   "Lean Thinking" by James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones is published, expanding and deepening the principles of lean manufacturing. "Lean Thinking" by James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones is published, expanding and deepening the principles of lean manufacturing.
- 
  
   The lean manufacturing approach extends beyond the manufacturing industry and is beginning to be applied in sectors such as healthcare, construction and services. The lean manufacturing approach extends beyond the manufacturing industry and is beginning to be applied in sectors such as healthcare, construction and services.
- 
  
   With technological advances and digitalization, new tools and approaches for the implementation of lean manufacturing emerge, such as Lean 4.0 and Lean Digital. With technological advances and digitalization, new tools and approaches for the implementation of lean manufacturing emerge, such as Lean 4.0 and Lean Digital.