This time on Toyota Times News, we visit the Sao Bernardo Plant in Brazil, Toyota’s first overseas plant and one with 60 years of history, which closed its doors last November.

This plant was pivotal in Toyota’s growth in Brazil. It was the center for a pioneering move by Toyota, and a car that became the symbol of Toyota do Brasil, as well as a legendary press machine that has been making parts since before Toyota was founded. It was also a place where Taiichi Ohno, who systematized the Toyota Production System, often came and personally instilled the culture of kaizen.

The decision to close the Sao Bernardo Plant, with its many legacies, was immeasurably difficult.

Masahiro Inoue, Chief Officer of Latin America and Caribbean Region, spoke candidly about nervously going to consult then-President Akio Toyoda about the decision.

Our studio guest is Oyaji Kawai (Executive Fellow Mitsuru Kawai), who joined in the closing ceremony. With 57 years at the genba, how did the final day at the plant look through his eyes? What does the future look like for Toyota in Brazil?

Witness the legacy being carried into the future as they overcome the closure of the Sao Bernardo Plant.